Hamilton Ridge Damara Stud – Our Story
A Hunter Valley Property with a Farming Vision
Hamilton Ridge is located in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, an area well known for its vineyards, fine dining, scenic landscapes, and relaxed rural lifestyle.
The property features natural water resources including a large dam and a spring-fed system that supports livestock and future agricultural development. It is currently set up with wild dog–proof fenced paddocks designed specifically for Damara sheep, providing both security and flexibility for grazing management.
One of the main paddocks also includes a large shed used for sheltering expectant ewes and young lambs when required, although the flock generally free grazes across the property under normal conditions.
Building a Diverse and Sustainable Farming Future
Hamilton Ridge was purchased in early 2023 with a vision to transform previously unused acreage into a productive and sustainable farming enterprise.
The long-term plan for the property includes a diverse range of agricultural activities such as:
- orchard production
- market gardening
- boutique vineyard development
- aquaculture, including yabbies and silver perch
- and a foundation flock of purebred Damara sheep
While several ventures are planned for the future, the current focus is the development and expansion of the Damara sheep stud, which forms the core of the farming operation today.
Our Foundation Flock of Damara Sheep
The Hamilton Ridge foundation flock consists of carefully selected purebred Damara sheep, built around strong maternal performance, structural soundness, and adaptability to Australian conditions.
The current breeding group includes:
- Ram: Malachi
- Foundation ewes (12 breeding females)
- Wethers: Devon, Alfee, and Dunbar
All breeding ewes successfully lambed in early 2026, marking an important milestone in the establishment of the stud.
The wethers provide calm companionship within the flock and assist in maintaining natural social structure alongside the breeding program.
Damara Sheep Breeding Program in Australia
Hamilton Ridge Damara Stud is a registered breeder with the Damara Sheep Breeders Society of Australia.
Our breeding focus is centred on producing sheep that are:
- functional and structurally sound
- well adapted to Australian environments
- strong in maternal performance
- suited to low-input farming systems
We are committed to maintaining breed integrity while selecting for practical performance traits that support real-world farming conditions.
Supporting Heritage Livestock and Breed Preservation
In addition to our registered stud status, Hamilton Ridge supports the broader preservation of heritage livestock in Australia through organisations such as The Rare Breeds Trust of Australia.
We believe in the importance of maintaining genetic diversity within Australian agriculture and contributing to the long-term sustainability of resilient livestock breeds such as the Damara.
Life at Hamilton Ridge
Hamilton Ridge is more than a working farm — it is a developing agricultural project focused on balance, productivity, and sustainability.
The property continues to evolve as new systems are introduced, but the guiding principle remains the same: to build a functional, efficient, and resilient farming operation centred around the Damara sheep breed.
Welcome to Hamilton Ridge
“Welcome to our little patch of paradise – Hamilton Ridge!”
Keith & Margie
Owners and new generation farmers in the Hunter Valley, NSW