April Newsletter 2026

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Australian Sheep and Wool Show – Dohne Merino Marquee Update
We are now at the end of April; July will be upon us before we know it.
The Association’s Show Committee is underway in getting ready for this year’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show.  The Show and Education Committee would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank our sponsors that have come onboard this year; Elders, Shearwell, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Riverina Wool Testers, Australian Merino Exports, Fox & Lillie Rural, Ellis & Nuttall & Co, Ethical Outback Wool, Woven Optics, Heiniger Australia, AWI and MLA.
The Dohne Merino Marquee program this year will comprise of the following; 
Friday, Education Program – 21 students from Longerenong College and 20 students from Moama Anglican Grammar will be taking part in this program. This program is designed to educated our younger generation, with hands on experience, allowing students to be guided by sheep and wool agents on the day.
Saturday, Showing Program – Classes will include individual young and older rams and ewes, groups, pairs and also Natural Bare Breech classes. During the classing there will Tech Talks. Also, at lunchtime Ethical Outback Wool will showcase their Dohne Merino garments with a Fashion Parade.
We are delighted to inform you that our judges this year will be; Elders Agent Milton Holmes, ADBA Approved Classer Gary Simpson and Associate Judge Hillview Dohne Merino Stud Robert Holmes. Our Dohne Merino exhibitors this year are;
NSW: Calga, DD, Kardinia, Macquarie and Uardry
Victoria: Gunyado
Due to the packed showing program on the Saturday, the ADBA will be providing lunch on the day in the marquee for exhibitors, judges, stewards, members, sponsors and helpers.  
Darren Gurnett Convenor, ADBA Show and Education Committee

MLA/Sheep Genetics Update
As you are aware MLA/Sheep Genetics have change to a New Account Management and Payment Portal.
This means you will no longer receive emailed invoices, this includes your annual subscription fee, plus all new animals’ data must be paid before data is run in the analysis. ‘PAY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT SYSTEM’. To be paid by credit card online.
Your subscription fee will again this year include a “Reference Contribution Flock Fee” of $200 + GST, as this is a 2-year funding to the Resource Flock Joining.  
Your annual subscription fee is mostly likely due now; to check, you will need to setup your online portal.
To setup your online portal go to; https://www.sheepgenetics.org.au/resources/how-to-company-and-flock-registration

2026 Events 

NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition
This year will see the inaugural running of the 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 until July, with the lambs then being shorn, measured and slaughtered. It is anticipated that approximately 260 students will be involved in the Orange event. There will be guest speakers, sponsors trade displays and stud displays.

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.

Dohne 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.