Polwarth sheep are a dual purpose sheep, developed in
Victoria, Australia, in 1880. They are 75 percent Merino and 25 percent
Lincoln. Polwarths are well suited to areas with improved pastures and are
mainly found in the higher rainfall districts of southern Australia. They have
been successfully exported to many countries, particularly South America where
they are known as Ideals.
Polwarth sheep are found polled and horned sheep with the
polled types predominating. They are large framed, robust, and produces a
high-yielding, soft-handling fleece of 22-25 micron fiber diameter. Much of the
emphasis within the breed has been directed towards developing and improving
the wool aspects.