The name Ewetopia says it all and with a cheese from the farm scoring a gold medal in the 2016 Sydney Royal Fine Food competition the judges agree.
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Ewetopia, at Ellenborough, is a small farm operated by Ian and Jill McKittrick, former Sydneysiders who decided 13 years ago to leave the metropolis and try their hand at farming.
In that time they have learnt a great deal about farming and also mastered the art of cheese making.
The couple is now among only handful of people in NSW who milk sheep to produce a range of delicious handcrafted cheeses.
Their on-farm production gained its licence 18 months ago and is now the proud owner of a gold medal for its sheep milk halloumi cheese at the Sydney Royal.
“It was the first time we have entered a competition for our cheese and it was fantastic to receive a gold medal,” Ian said.
“Plus we were also celebrating a silver medal for our Jersey homogenised cow milk - so it was a great first show for us.”
The McKittrick’s property covers 53 hectares and they run just over 20 sheep that are a cross between the European East Friesian and the Middle Eastern Awassi breeds.
Ewetopia cheeses include halloumi and feta and are sold through local markets.
The family hopes to increase its sheep numbers to about 100 milkers, which are milked six months of the year through spring and summer.
Their Jerseys are milked during winter to provide a year-round income. Along with their farm-stay business Ian works full-time on the property.
A builder by trade, Ian used to work off-farm.
Today he is happy to call himself a full-time farmer but has put his building skills to great use on the farm, especially gaining the licence for the cheese and milk production.
He has also helped other farmers work on their council applications for similar projects.
Ellenborough is not traditional sheep country. Its high rainfall and high humidity make strict management of the flock vital.
“We have to watch the sheep for worms, in particular Barbers Pole, and they can encounter plenty of feet problems as well,” he said.
“Treating for worms poses a challenge given limited drenches that can be used on the milking sheep.
“But we can generally treat the feet problems during milking.”
