April 2026 Newsletter
Wiltipoll News
Issue #9 April 2026Save the Date!
The AGM will be held on 26th July 2026. More information will follow by email.
CHECK YOUR FARM SECURITY
Livestock theft in Victoria is currently at very high levels, with 168 recorded thefts in the past year, a 15% increase and over 80% remaining unsolved.
Recent incidents include 1,115 sheep stolen from Lexton and over 40 cattle stolen near Colac, with police highlighting coordinated, professional syndicates targeting regional farms. Theft frequently involves large-scale, coordinated efforts using trucks and, in some cases, insider knowledge or involvement from individuals within the agricultural industry.
Higher cattle and sheep prices often attract more criminal activity.
It is estimated that only about 30% of stock theft is reported to police, often due to farmers lacking confidence in investigations. Police Rural Crime Prevention Teams urge producers to report all suspicious activity immediately.
Security Upgrades to consider: Increased use of GPS tracking tags for livestock, CCTV, and strategic gate security is recommended.
Record Keeping: Maintaining robust records of stock movements is crucial.
Contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 1800 333 000
2026 Sydney Royal Show
- Westmoreland Wiltipolls Champion and Reserve Champion Ram
- Reavesdale Wiltipolls Champion Ewe
- Big Fella Wiltipolls Reserve Champion Ewe
- Thank you to all Lithgow High School Students and Teachers for their assistance
BREEDER PROFILE
Peter English, "Moorabbee", Bendigo.
Peter is a well-known sheep breeder from Victoria and his involvement in the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo, has resulted in him coming to know many sheep breeders. For 25yrs, Peter has operated a Polwarth stud and, in that time, he has exhibited spasmodically with modest success.
Peter's interest in Wiltipolls was initiated, largely indirectly, through his daughter, Aimee Jeffress. Aimee, with husband Josh and family had been living in Newcastle, NSW, and was looking to start a small shedding sheep stud. After much deliberation, they settled on Wiltipolls and have had them now for about 4 years (Arukah Wiltipolls). Aimee and her family had decided to relocate back to Bendigo and in 2024, Peter took delivery of their sheep until they had settled into their new home and were able to accommodate their sheep again. Over the following months, Peter and his wife came to like them, with their low maintenance requirements, good temperament and freedom from feet problems being particularly attractive features. In addition, Peter had known Ray Newman (Muskdale Wiltipolls) for decades and through his involvement with the Australian Sheep and Wool Show he had also met a number of Wiltipoll breeders and enjoyed his interaction with them.
Aimee, Josh and family are now living only 15 minutes from Peter and so the perfect opportunity came for them to be able to work together, share genetics, financial benefits, etc over the years to come.
In mid-2025, Peter was chatting to Beverley Anne Lea (Ruby-Lea-Rose Wiltipolls) who mentioned to him that Rose Young of Abasha Wiltipolls (W.A.) was dispersing her stud due to her ill health challenges. As a result of Beverley Anne's encouragement and active support, Peter decided to contact Rose and purchased a starter flock from her.
So, while Peter's stud is very much in the early stages of development, he hopes to build a flock of about 20-25 ewes. Peter sees sound conformation as his number one priority. He also believes growth and maturity rates are important if the breed is to remain relevant in the commercial sheep industry. Peter wants to focus on quality rather than quantity and so is prepared to cull hard and look after the ones that remain. He hopes to work in conjunction with Aimee and family, together with other breeders, to achieve these goals. In addition, he hopes to be able to exhibit his sheep and promote Wiltipolls in his local area. Peter also would like to promote the breed by coming together with other local and State breeders every two years or so to conduct a combined field day/information day. Along the way, he hopes to learn from those who have more experience and knowledge than him too.
Peter offers a number of tips for beginners:
- Seek out an Advisor/Mentor to guide you in selection and management decisions to minimize mistakes.
- Source your foundation stock from a well-established and recognized stud breeder. If you have financial constraints, buy fewer well bred animals rather than a greater number of inferior ones.
- Look after your stock very well to give them every opportunity to attain their full potential.
- Ask questions, listen and evaluate what you hear with the aim of determining what is relevant for your operation.
- Get involved in sheep and breed groups or associations.
Upcoming Events
Australian Field Day ScheduleCommittee Contacts
| President Richard Parker | 0412 250 193 |
| V. President Julie Huie | 0488 188 772 |
| Secretary Kerstin Fraser | 0407 712 709 |
| Treasurer Geoff Lomman | 0418 238 088 |
| Committee Loris Denyer | 0429 846 424 |
| Committee Aimee Jeffress | 0409 931 129 |
| Committee Sarina Lauren | 0438 274 278 |
| Committee John Toll | 0438 871 340 |
Committee Focus
- Newsletter
- Committee succession planning
- Website rebuild
- Facebook social media
- Accounting software change
- Removal of member addresses for security purposes
We need a host for the next Farm Forum?
Contact Julie on 0488 188 772
Welcome New Members
Doug Walther, Waltheim Wiltipolls, Mount Hunter NSW
Dale Barnes, Welton Grange, Lismore Heights NSW