August Newsletter 2026

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Inaugural NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition a Great Success
The Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association (ADBA) was proud to host the inaugural Community Bank Gilgandra & Central West Bendigo Bank NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition at the Orange Showgrounds on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
The inaugural event brought together 26 schools, over 280 students and teachers from across New South Wales for a full day of practical, hands-on learning focused on prime lamb production, wool, carcase assessment and the wider sheep industry.
The competition was designed to give students the opportunity to take their agricultural studies beyond the classroom and experience the complete commercial production process firsthand.
The program commenced in February, when participating schools received five Dohne wether lambs, generously supplied by the Currey Family – Bogewong Butcher Co. Over the following months, students were responsible for managing their lambs and monitoring their performance.
The competition provided students with a unique opportunity to follow their animals through the production chain and gain an understanding of the factors that influence both wool and meat returns.
The first group of 52 lambs was processed at Gundagai Meat Processors (GMP) on 15 July, providing valuable commercial carcase data for students to analyse as part of the competition.
The remaining 81 competition lambs, which were assessed and shorn as part of the competition day at Orange, will complete the final stage of the program when they are sent to Gundagai Meat Processors (GMP) on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
Their processing will provide further valuable commercial carcase data and complete the paddock-to-processing journey for the inaugural competition.
Throughout the day, students rotated through a range of practical activities, demonstrations and industry presentations covering key areas of sheep production. Activities included liveweight and eye muscle scanning, sheep showing and judging, shearing, fleece assessment and testing, working dog demonstrations, career information and industry presentations.
Students had the opportunity to work directly with breeders, producers, contractors, veterinarians, wool and meat industry representatives and other agricultural professionals.
This industry involvement was an important part of the event, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, develop practical skills and learn about the many different career pathways available within Australian agriculture.
The competition combined carcase and fleece performance, encouraging students to consider the total commercial value of their lambs rather than focusing on a single production trait.
Congratulations to St Matthews Catholic School, Mudgee NSW, named the Overall Champion School, with an outstanding combined carcase and fleece value of $828. Reserve Overall Champion honours went to Orange Anglican Grammar School, Orange NSW, following an excellent performance across the competition. Congratulations also to Red Bend Catholic College on winning the Champion Fleece award. Congratulations to all three schools on these outstanding achievements, and a special congratulations to all ribbon winners on the day. The high standard of competition reflected the dedication, skill and enthusiasm of the students and teachers involved.
The on-hoof judging was conducted by Barry Lang and Jason Southwell, with students also gaining valuable experience in presenting and assessing their sheep. A sincere thank you to Barry and Jason for generously giving their time, expertise and industry knowledge to judge the competition and support the students on the day.
Giving Back to Schools – One of the important objectives of the competition was to ensure the program provided a direct benefit back to participating school agriculture programs. At the conclusion of the competition, the ADBA was delighted to provide a total of $8,100 back to participating school teams – $300 per team.
This contribution recognises the commitment made by schools, teachers and students throughout the program and will assist schools to continue providing practical agricultural education opportunities.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Industry Partners – An event of this scale would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our sponsors, industry partners, volunteers, teachers, schools and livestock contributors.
The ADBA extends a very special thank you to all of our 2026 sponsors: Community Bank Gilgandra & Central West Bendigo Bank, Currey Family – Bogewong Butcher Co, Gundagai Meat Processors, Woven Optics & Heiniger Australia, For Flocks Sake Veterinary Sheep Consultants, CB Rural Contracting, Bralca 2.0 Agricultural Consultants, Ben Simmons Scanning, Elders, Shearwell Australia, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Riverina Wool Testers, Daniel Camilleri/Hooked on Hounds, Inland Petroleum, Dawbuts Pty Ltd, Dubbo AGnVET & Darling Irrigation, Monster Signs, Country Trucker Caps, Furneys Stock Feeds and MLA, in their commitment to supporting agricultural education and the next generation of the Australian sheep industry.
Their support came in many forms – from financial assistance and livestock to equipment, products, services, demonstrations, technical expertise and staff time. Every contribution played an important role in making the inaugural event possible.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the volunteers and industry representatives who generously gave their time and shared their knowledge and experience with the students throughout the day.
Looking Ahead to 2027 – As the inaugural running of the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition, the 2026 event provided the ADBA with an excellent foundation on which to build.
The Association is already reviewing feedback from teachers, students, sponsors, volunteers and industry representatives as planning begins for 2027.
The ADBA is extremely proud of what was achieved in the competition’s first year and, most importantly, of the enthusiasm and capability demonstrated by the students and teachers involved.
Providing young people with genuine, hands-on experiences such as this helps strengthen their understanding of commercial sheep production, introduces them to career opportunities and builds valuable connections between schools and the agricultural industry.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the inaugural Community Bank Gilgandra & Central West Bendigo Bank NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition such a success. We look forward to building on this fantastic beginning in 2027.

St Matthews Catholic College, Mudgee, exhibited the Champion Team in the subjective judging and carcase competition, securing the title of Overall Champion School at the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition. Pictured with judges Barry Lang and Jason Southwell, and Morgan Adams, from Community Bank Gilgandra & Central West Bendigo Bank.

St Matthews Catholic College, Mudgee, Overall Champions of the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition, pictured with Morgan Adams and Sally Stevenson from Community Bank Gilgandra & Central West Bendigo Bank.

Students from Orange Anglican Grammar School, Orange NSW, proudly holding their Reserve Overall Champion award at the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition.

Students from Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes, Overall Champions in the Fleece Category at the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition, with Morgan Adams from Community Bank Gilgandra & Central West Bendigo Bank.

Our dedicated teachers at the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition. Thank you for your enthusiasm, commitment and support.

Attendees at the inaugural NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition — a fantastic turnout for a great day of learning and competition.

Judges Jason Southwell and Barry Lang busy assessing the Dohne prime lambs during the judging.

Students putting their skills into practice during the judging at the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition.

Annual General Meeting Report
The Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association (ADBA) 2026 Annual General Meeting was held in Orange, New South Wales, on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, bringing members together both in person and via Zoom.
The AGM was held alongside a significant week for the Association, taking place the evening before the inaugural Community Bank Gilgandra & Central West Bendigo Bank NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition at the Orange Showgrounds. This provided a great opportunity for members to come together while supporting one of ADBA’s major education and youth initiatives.
The 2026 AGM marked an important change in leadership for the Association, with Greg Hall stepping down as President after three years in the role.
The ADBA extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to Greg for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the Association during his three-year term as President. His time, knowledge and dedication to the Dohne breed and its members have been greatly valued, and we thank him for the important role he has played in guiding the Association.
We are pleased to announce that Don Mills has been elected President of the Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association, with Darren Gurnett elected Vice President. Congratulations to Don and Darren on their appointments. We look forward to working with them as they take on their new leadership roles and continue to build on the work of the Association, supporting our members, promoting the Dohne Merino and strengthening ADBA’s education, youth and industry initiatives.
The ADBA also thanks all members who attended the AGM, whether in person in Orange or via Zoom, and acknowledges the ongoing contribution of our Council and members to the continued growth and development of the Dohne Merino breed.

The Dohne Merino Calendar is out now! – Click Here
Our new innovative calendar showcases the exceptional attributes of Dohne Merino sheep, including high
fertility, lean meat, and fine wool. Each month highlights the breed’s productivity and resilience. Thank you to all members and sponsors who have supported this publication.

2026 Events

Dohne Merino Ram Sales
Dohne Merino ram continue this month in South Australia, then move to Western Australia and NSW in September, for more details on these sales see details below:
• Thursday 28 August – Ulooloo On Property Ram Sale, Hallett SA
• August – Clover Downs Private Selection, Barabba, SA
• Monday 7 September – Mollerin Rock On Property Ram Sale, Cadoux WA
• Wednesday 9 September – Calga Production Sale, Magometon NSW
• Friday 11 September – Macquarie Pre Sale Preview Day, Ballimore NSW
• Friday 11 September – Chirniminup On Property Ram Sale, Nyabing WA
• Thursday 17 September – Kardinia On Property Ram Sale, Corowa NSW
• Thursday 17 September – Glen Holme On Property Auction, Manoora SA
• Tuesday 22 September – Gullendah On Property Ram Sale, Baldry NSW
• Wednesday 23 September – Macquarie Production Sale, Ballimore NSW
• Friday 2nd October – VIC Ultimate Dohne Ram Sale, NURCOUNG VIC

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.

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