The breeder who helped establish Wiltipolls, has been honored

Greg Toll, who ran Gee Tee Wiltipolls, Gunbower, was awarded life membership by Wiltipoll Stud Breeders Australia president, Ray Newman, of Muskdale stud, Axedale, at this year's Australian Sheep & Wool Show.

"I've known Greg for years," Mr Newman said.

"He started to breed the Wiltipoll in 1972.

"He was the most prominent Wiltipoll breeder in Australia and he has been most helpful for many new breeders.

"It's an appreciation of all the work Greg has put into the breed and all the help he's given to other people."

Once a Merino breeder, Mr Toll decided to try a new breed after wool and lamb prices took a dive in the 1970s.

"Back in 1972, we got sick tired of shearing first cross ewes, producing lambs and getting nothing for the wool," Mr Toll said.

He said he heard about Wiltshire Horns on the radio, before buying two ewes and a ram.

"When I got home, I realised the ram was better than the two ewes, so I joined him to a Poll Dorset," Mr Toll said.

"Over many years, we built up to the stage where we had no wool on the ewes and very good body confirmation

"So we ended up with Wiltipolls and they've been very good, to us.".

Mr Toll said he thoroughly appreciated the honor.

He said Wiltipolls held their own against Dorpers.

"Dorpers have been very dominant and proven themselves very hardy."

Mr Toll said while Wiltipolls didn't have the numbers to go out into some of the bigger studs and properties, they were doing just as well .

He said lamb had a bright future, particularly as the Chinese would be looking to find new sources of protein, given the African Swine Fever crisis.

"Certainly, lamb could be the lobster of the land, because we can't afford to eat it, in Australia."