The UltraWhite Story

The development of the UltraWhite breed began with a strategic decision by Dawson Snr in 2005, after a personal health challenge made it clear that traditional sheep farming practices—especially wool production—were becoming too labor-intensive. At the time, wool production accounted for a significant portion of the workload on the farm, including shearing, crutching, and managing wool-related health issues such as fly strike and lice.

He recognised that the future of the farm would depend on simplifying operations without sacrificing meat production, which had always been his focus. Given his extensive experience with one of the highest-performing Poll Dorset flocks in Australia, Dawson knew that removing the wool from the Dorset sheep could lead to a more efficient, low-maintenance breed.

Thus, the journey began with the crossing of Poll Dorset ewes from Hillcroft’s stud flock with top-quality White Dorper rams. The goal was to create a breed that not only shed its wool but also retained the high growth, fertility, and meat yield that made the Poll Dorset so successful.

How It All Began

In the early years, progress was slow. Breeding the wool off the Poll Dorset proved more challenging than anticipated. However, by 2011 Hillcroft Farms introduced its first rams, marking the beginning of what would soon become the UltraWhite breed.

In 2010, Hillcroft Farms experienced one of the driest years on record, yet the sheep in the developing flock, particularly those with 75% Dorper genetics thrived. These ewes when condition scored at pregnancy testing in early June, were one condition score higher than the ewes who carried only 50%Dorper genetics. This was a deciding moment in the evolution of the UltraWhite that clearly demonstrated the hardiness of the new breed. By 2014, it was clear that the UltraWhite was a breed with the potential to perform across a wide range of climates and environments, from the drier inland regions of Australia to the more fertile southern areas.

The decision to name the breed UltraWhite in 2014 reflected its exceptional characteristics—easy-care maintenance, superior meat production, and resilience across diverse climates.

Pioneering a New Breed

Eating Quality and Nutritional Benefits

At Hillcroft Farms, eating quality is at the heart of our commitment to producing superior lamb. UltraWhite lamb sets a benchmark for excellence, consistently delivering tenderness, flavour, and juiciness. These traits are the result of ongoing meticulous selection and performance recording, ensuring every genetic advantage contributing to eating quality is captured in our breeding program.

Collaborative Research for Superior Results

Hillcroft Farms actively collaborates with Murdoch University to conduct a range of eating quality tests, ensuring a robust scientific foundation for our innovations. This partnership enhances our understanding of the factors influencing lamb quality, including tenderness, intramuscular fat levels, and overall flavour profile. Findings from this research, which is ongoing, will guide future improvements and reinforce our position as industry leaders.