Allendales winning shorn pair of Poll Dorset rams from the Adelaide Royal 2003. Typical of the high quality, functional stock produced by the stud, they consist of a son and grandson of the influential sire Dongadilling 12.

In October 1938 the late Mr Allen E. Day founded the Allendale Dorset Horn stud and with regular infusions of top sires from leading studs of the era, a high quality flock was established.

In 1956 Valma A11/54 was introduced into the breeding program to commence the Allendale Poll Dorset flock. During the next 3 years all the Dorset Horn Ewes were transferred to the Poll flock and infusions from Valma, Kismet and Marylebone studs were made.

Further important infusions of rams and ewes have been consistently added from leading breeders in Australia and New Zealand over the last 40 years to produce the high quality breeding flock of approximately 400 ewes that exist today.

The stud’s aim is to breed Poll Dorsets that show the renowned “Dorset type and quality” ie firm fleshing, length, good hindquarter development and sound structure. The performance measuring lambplan program was adopted by Allendale in 1989.

There have been many highlights in the stud over its lifetime from showing success to great sales results. Many show winners and champions have resulted at the Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth Royal Shows but undoubtedly the highlight has been the sale of Allendale “Aristocrat” for a world record Poll Dorset price of $27500 at the Melbourne Royal Show Sales in 1983, which still stands today.

At the stud’s annual on-property sheep sale on the first Friday in October, approx 15 stud rams, 120 flock rams and 40 stud ewes are offered from the Poll Dorset stud with regular clients attending from all states of Australia.