February Newsletter 2026

Sign Up to receive Dohne Newsletters – Click Here

Sign Up to become a Dohne Member – Click Here

Full Newsletter – PDF Copy

Councils’ Face to Face Report
The ADBA Council met for our annual Face-to-face meeting from 9 to 11 February 2026 at Mawson Lakes, South Australia.

All councillors were able to attend: Sandy Pye attended for the first time in person, providing valuable input. Mitchell Applegate and Daniel Pumpa contributed via Zoom, as did Tanya Barton and Brett Wilson when called upon. Peta Bradley also attended in person for a Sheep Genetics update.

First up Monday was a fruitful discussion on where the ADBA is currently and what is ahead of us. A tiered system, breed branding and recognition, connecting with the next generation, school competition and Sheep Expo were all considered.
Brett Wilson joining in after lunch for a good discussion on technical and practical details mainly regarding data submission. Peta Bradley joined in regarding Sheep Genetics and Combined Analysis we greatly appreciate her making time for us to clarify upcoming developments.
Points discussed were:
•    SG new billing system – payment required before data will be run
•    Possible trial run of Combined Analysis in May this year to check for any problems
•    Confirmation of a Dohne Merino index review in the near future
•    Retaining the current “R” registration system with all basic required data submissions done through Brett
•    SG fees
•    Combined Analysis will take 6-7 days/run so early submissions are recommended to ensure that results are known before sales etc. 

When our guests had left, we discussed: 
•    Promotions including the calendar and School Lamb Competition
•    ASWS at Bendigo July 17 to 19 – due to oval renovations a new site has been allocated – increased number of students taking part in education programs and tent size is under review. Details later.
•    AGM at Orange Wednesday 29 July 6.30pm and also by Zoom. 
•    Organization of Ram Breeder’s course – Thursday 30 July at Orange

Tuesday our discussions began with the Dohne Merino Prime Lamb Competition to be held at Orange Showgrounds from Wednesday 29th July (schools arrive Tuesday evening). Daniel Pumpa has been very active along with his committee and all preparations are running on time: 26 schools received lambs in February, and approximately 250 students will be present. Studs will have the opportunity to participate with displays. More details will be available when finalized.

Details of the Ram Breeder’s Course to be held on Thursday 30 July were also discussed and will be forwarded when finalized.  Allan Casey who is running the course joined us by Zoom. Peta Bradley and Brett Wilson will both be attending to add their expertise. I urge all members to make the effort to attend these ADBA events in Orange and look forward to catching up with as many people as possible. I am sure there will be many chances for socializing!

Other topics that were then discussed and approved in principle, and will be released when all details are finalized included: 
•    Subsidies for Dohne Merino studs to join AMSEA trials
•    Sheep Expo sponsorship and ADBA financial support of participants
•    Shearwell tag sponsorship
•    Adoption of a tiered system

Tanya Barton joined us to report on our current financial position and budget for the 26-27 financial year. Council is acutely aware that, due to reduced revenue, spending needs to be watched carefully, while still allowing for promotion of our breed. If we maintain our normal sponsorship, our position should stay stable with the budget that has been adopted, as will this year’s financials.
Greg Hall, ADBA President 

L-R John Nadin, Lynda Farrow, Greg Hall, Don Mills, Peta Bradley, Kaye Butler, Darren Gurnett and Sandy Pye.

Dohne Merino Sales Results
Sale report and photo on behalf of The Land.

Harewood Annual On Property Ram Sale, Armidale NSW
35 rams sold to $3800 and averaged $1860.

Harewood On Property Ram Sale, Armidale NSW. 

Alfoxton On Property Ram Sale, Armidale NSW
45 rams sold to $3500 and averaged $1666.
Full Sale Report – Click Here

Robbie Bloch, AWN Squires, Inverell, with buyer Ian Uebergang, Oakhurst Partnership, North Star, Harold Manttan, AWN, Uralla, Kate Cutler also of Oakhurst Partnership, and Alfoxton stud principal Chris Clonan. Picture supplied

Sheep Genetics Updated
From the 1 March 2026 onwards, Sheep Genetic will be putting into place a ‘PAY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT SYSTEM’. To be paid by credit card.
This means that any new animals i.e. 2025 drop or missing animals from that drop will need to be paid for before data is submitted into the Dohne analysis.

2026 Events

Australian Sheep and Wool Show – Dohne Merino Marquee
With our own large marquee at the ASWS; it allowing for a more personalized and focused promotional space for members and sponsors. Our annual education program is growing in numbers every year, we expect to see around 40 students at this event. The ADBA has decided to run with one shearing date for classes at the ASWS. The shearing date will be the first week of March (1 to 7 March 2026). This event will run from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026 at Bendigo VIC. 

NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition
2026 will see the inaugural running of the ADBA’s first NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition, with the competition concluding over 1-day at Orange NSW arriving on the 28 and completion on the 29 of July. 26 Schools from NSW will be taking part in this competition, picking up their lambs on the 25 February. They will be responsible for the husbandry of these animals till July, with the lambs then being shorn, measured and slaughtered. It is anticipated that approximately 250 students will be involved in the Orange event. There will be guest speakers and displays by sponsors.   
Studs will have the opportunity to participate at this event with displays available free of charge. And many hands help make light work for the running of the event. Any studs interested to displaying at this event are asked to contact the secretary secretary@dohne.com.au. Anyone looking for more information contact NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition Subcommittee Chair Daniel Pumpa 0428 665 016.

Annual General Meeting
The ADBA AGM for 2026 will be held also at this major Orange milestone. The AGM will be conducted after the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition on the 29 July and a Zoom link will be available also.

Ram Breeders Course
The ADBA will be conducting a 1-day Ram Breeders course on the 30 July 2026 to coincide with the conclusion of the new School’s Prime Lamb Competition at Orange NSW. This course can be attended by all stud and commercial members, and the day will be facilitated by Allan Casey.
Expressions of interest in attending the course can be sent to secretary@dohne.com.au. 

World Dohne Merino Conference, South Africa 
The Dohne Merino Society of SA is excited to host the World Dohne Merino Conference in 2026. This event will be in collaboration with the 60 year of existence of the Dohne Merino Society of South Africa.
The launched the official website for the conference is now up: https://conference.dohnemerino.com
Bookings can be made directly on the website and they will be posting more information as the time passes.
The Dohne Merino World Conference, to be held from 18 – 24 October 2026, at the Arabella Hotel, in Hermanus, South Africa. This prestigious event promises to bring together Dohne Merino breeders, industry experts, and enthusiasts from across the globe, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in our shared passion.
The week after the conference (26 to 31 October 2026), we are planning a post-conference tour to the central and eastern parts of South Africa.