A MARLBOROUGH sheep farmer is using his extensive knowledge of Merino breeding to provide cool comfort for hundreds of cyclists pedalling the hot tarmac roads over summer. Martin Pattie has spent a lifetime working towards developing a Merino sheep breed producing high quality meat and fine durable wool in drought-like conditions. Together with partner Lyn Brown, Pattie grows, processes, manufactures and sells merino cloth and clothing to customers in New Zealand and around the world. Pattie’s parents chanced upon the South African Dohne Merino breed in 1999 after attending a Merino sheep breeders conference in South Africa. He wanted a breed which could withstand the very dry summer conditions in Marlborough, as well as produce wool under 23 microns. Continue reading →

The Breed Development Officer (BDO) is a newly created consultative position reporting to the Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association’s President and Council. The BDO role has been created to encourage Dohne sales by opening up opportunities and building relationships with personnel in industry sectors including; meat processors, commercial producers, and seedstock producers. There is latitude as to how the BDO may undertake the role to progress its objectives. Continue reading →

THE dual-purpose attributes of the Dohne breed have given Tasmanian mixed farmers Richard and Sarah Johnston increased market flexibility, with their annual draft of crossbred lambs in strong demand from processors. The Johnston family take care of a 460-hectare property, Esk Farm, near Longford, running 2000 Merino and Dohne/Merino-cross ewes. They also grow a range of crops for both fodder and seed, including peas, grass seed, clover, chicory, lucerne, wheat and barley and lucerne and grass hay production and run a contract spraying business. Traditional wool growers, the Johnstons decided to introduce Dohnes to their operation more than 10 years ago and continue to be pleased with the breed’s wool quality, fertility and growth. They currently run 1000 Merino and Dohne/Merino-cross ewes joined to Dohne rams for replacements, along with 1000 Dohne/Merino-cross ewes which are joined to Poll Dorset and Southdown rams. The flock micron average is 18.5. Continue reading →

INCREASED fertility, doability and lamb production are some of the benefits introducing Dohne genetics in the flock at Milbey, Wallandbeen. Luke Wells, who manages the property for owners David and Kandee Thorn, is currently running 5000 ewes, and has been using Dohne genetics for the past four years. "We were after a plainer bodied sheep for the flies and to step away from mulesing, which we've done for the last three years." Continue reading →

FOR Wayne Hodge, regardless of season, it’s the Dohne breed that will allow him to remain at full productivity. ‘Everglen’ of Lock, South Australia, sits at 4,000 hectares and is comprised of two-thirds cropping and one-third sheep. Previously running Merinos and crossbreds, Mr Hodge made the shift to the Dohnes approximately 10 years ago which gave his operation the simultaneous benefit of meat quality as well as wool. The majority of Mr Hodge’s Dohne flock are purebred, running 1,650 breeding ewes and 800 ewe lambs. “As an ex-shearer, I saw a variety of breeds getting around and I particularly noticed that these sheep were in better condition than a traditional Merino, especially in tougher years.” “Since getting into them ourselves, we have experienced exactly that,” said Mr Hodge. Continue reading →