History

Newbold Sheep Stud is the oldest Dorset stud sheep property in Australia. Dorsets have been bred on the property at Gawler River since 1901. The Newbold Dorset Horn Stud #4 was registed in 1917. Its original sheep can be traced back to the first Dorsets brought into Australia. One of many highlights was in 1937 when a ram was shown at the Royal show in England, were he gained Res Champion. He was then exported to America. Many English studs used Newbold rams in this era.
The founding Stud Master, W. J. Dawkins, bred the first Poll Dorsets in the world, commencing in 1937. 'WJ'as he was known, wih his son-in-law Jack Reddin and two other breeders, Lyal Stuart from Tasmania and Rex Wilson from NSW founded the Australian Poll Dorset Association in 1954.
WJ divided his flock between his four daughters in 1966. His secound daughter Louise took on the managment of her sheep with the prefix 'Newbold North'. She was very succesful, one of her highlights was in 1974 when she won three major show Champions with three different rams.
Her youngest son, Bill joined her running the stud in 1976 after he finished studying at Roseworthy Agricultural College. In 1982 the stud prefix changed back to Newbold. Bill has taken the flock to new heights with a strong focus on performance figures combined with quality comercial sheep.

Newbold has provided the foundation sheep for many notable studs in Australia and overseas. Demand for Newbold genetics continues as they are renowned for exceptional early growth, outstanding muscling and quality. Notable studs who have recently purchased Newbold rams or semen include Valma, Kurralea, Tattykeel, Gloroy, Rannock, Shirlee Downs, Aberdeen, Ivadene, Penryn, Bugle Downs, Kreeside and Brimfield.

Texel sheep were imported from Denmark and Finland via quarantine in New Zealand in 1993. Newbold Stud is a leader in the breed, with many show Champions and stud sales to a top of $11,000.

White Suffolfs were founded in 2000, When an El Matta ram was purchased and mated with Newbold Poll Dprsets and Texset ewes. Rams and semen have been used from Depta Grove ,Ashmore and Bundara Downs. The stud has now grown to 200 very special ewes.

Bill his wife Angela live on the property and welcome visitors. Their daughters and sons in law Kate, Craig, Edwina and Tom assist with the stockwork, especially at shows and sales.

Louise Close OBITUARY

Louise Close obituary (Word document, 26 KB)