October Newsletter 2026

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States’ Year in Review NSW
What a year we have had, it’s not often the wool, lamb and mutton markets are all red hot at once. The Dohne breed is really proving itself again with some fantastic results in the sale pens, on the wool floor and over the hooks.
Ram sales this year have been no exception with all studs’ averages improving from last year. Four hundred and seventy six (476) rams sold to a state top price of $21,000 from Macquarie Dohne Stud, with Gullendah and Calga reaching a top of $6,000 and Kardinia and Harewood both topping at $3,800.
The state’s top average for 2026 was again Macquarie, recording $3,842, a huge $882 above last year’s. Calga followed, averaging $3,139, with Gullendah next averaging $2,755, with all three studs achieving 100% clearance.
I would like to mention this year the ADBA ran the inaugural NSW Prime Lamb School Competition, with 26 schools from across NSW competing against each other to educate the future industry leaders on how the Dohne can perform in all environments. The committee and sponsors need a huge congratulations as it was an exceptional event.
Good luck everyone for the year ahead, let’s hope the season keeps with us and the profits keep coming in.
The Land – Dohne Sale Reports – Click Here
David Berrell, ADBA NSW Representative

$21,000 top price and $3,842 top average for New South Wales – Macquarie Dohne Stud

States’ Year in Review Western Australia
Western Australia saw three Dohne Merino studs represented across two public auction this year. In the north, Mollerin Rock, following its purchase of Far Valley Stud last year, offered genetics from both studs and Chirniminup in the south.
More rams were offered and sold by both studs compared to 2025, with average prices up on last year. Mollerin Rock and Far Valley sold 131 to average $1805, and Chirniminup sold 220 to average $2798
Strong meat prices, coupled with a more attractive wool market have driven up ram sale prices across WA, and across breeds.
Welcome to the newly registered Dohne stud, Tasman Farms, located near Boyup Brook. It’s great to see another Dohne breeder taking on the task of getting more rams out there into flocks, and we wish the Thompson family all the best.
Farm Weekly – Dohne Sale Reports – Click Here
Rachel Browne, ADBA Western Australia Representative

$4,200 top price and $2,798 top average for Western Australia – Chirniminup Dohne Stud

States’ Year in Review South Australia
South Australian Dohne Merino ram auctions in 2026 were well supported, achieving a clearance rate of 92% and an average price of $1,692. This represents an improvement on 2025, with a higher clearance rate and a $300 increase in the average price.
These results reflect the strength of the South Australian sheep market, with strong returns for wool, surplus sheep and meat, alongside good seasonal rainfall across most of the state.
The top-priced ram sold for $5,200 and was offered by Hillview Stud, which also achieved the highest average price at $2,159.
Good luck to everyone for the remainder of the year as we head into harvest and prepare for joining. We look forward to doing it all again in 2027 and beyond.
Stock Journal & Eyre Peninsula Advocate – Dohne Merino Sale Reports – Click Here
Rob Hall, ADBA South Australian Representative

$5,200 top price and $2,159 top average for South Australia – Hillview Dohne Stud

2026 World Dohne Merino Conference – South Africa
The 2026 World Dohne Merino Conference, held from 18–24 October at the Arabella Hotel in South Africa, has come to a successful close, with the post-conference tour also nearing its conclusion. The event celebrated 60 years of the Dohne Merino Society of South Africa.
The Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association congratulates the organisers and hosts on a fantastic event, bringing together breeders and industry representatives from around the world to share knowledge, exchange ideas and celebrate the continued success of the Dohne Merino breed.
A special thank you to everyone involved for their warm hospitality and for showcasing the very best of the Dohne Merino in South Africa.
We wish all our Australian delegates a safe journey home and look forward to hearing about their experiences and insights from this memorable event!

Dohne Merino Ram Sales
Dohne Merino ram continue moving to Victoria in November, for more details on these sales see details below:
• Friday 6th November – Koonik & Hamilton Run Dohne Merino Studs Private Selection Day, NURCOUNG VIC

Calls for Expressions of Interest – Dohne Sustainability Program
The Dohne Sustainability Trial Program is calling for commercial Dohne flocks to register an expression of interest in being a participating flock in a planned sire reference program.
The objective of the program is to develop the sheep’s ability to resist the major traits that lead to the loss of sheep.

Internal Parasites.
External Parasites
Dag Score
Susceptibility to diseases of the feet.

These 4 issues would account for the biggest losses in sheep flocks. All of these issues are under genetic control. With rising levels of resistance to all the chemicals we use to control these issues it makes sense to develop the sheep’s natural genetic resistance to these problems.
We are asking for expressions of interest from commercial Dohne flocks in areas where there is high pressure from internal and external parasites and prolonged wet periods which lead to foot disease.
What are we offering?
Your flock will get access to some of the best genetics in the breed through reference sires being used in your flock.
Your flock program will be facilitated by Sheep Matters consultancy. https://www.sheepmatters.com.au/
A full flock analysis and industry benchmarking will be provided by Sheep Matters.
This will give you the opportunity to have your flock at the leading edge of genetic development and productivity.
This will be funded through the money we intend to raise to do this program.
We need to know your name location and the number of Dohne ewes you join each year.
If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact John Buxton 0407 472 403 jcbuxton3@outlook.com.
Please register your interest by emailing admin@dohne.com.au and jcbuxton3@outlook.com
Dr Peter Howe Presentation – YouTube link – https://youtu.be/6e6nONnVbHA