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November Newsletter 2025

Hello everyone, well another year has flown by, it seems the state’s seasonal conditions have not really changed from this time last year. Conditions in the south have improved slightly, (but it could be a long summer), the northeast again have had a well above average year with the west of the state very dry again. The sheep and lamb market has skyrocketed this year with prices at an all-time high. Those that have been lucky enough to hold numbers have enjoyed the ride, let’s hope these prices stick around. The 2025 Dohne ram selling period has had strong results with 476 rams offered, 454 sold to a 95% clearance. The top price this year of $8,000 was recorded for the Pye family from Calga, Coonamble. Macquarie topped at $5,500 and Gullendah was next at $5,000. Macquarie topped the highest average of $2,960 plus 100% clearance. They were closely followed by Gullendah with an average of $2,940 and another full clearance. The States overall average of $2,236 was up $400 on 2024. Continue reading

October Newsletter 2025

Phillip became accredited as an Assessor for the Dohne Merino breed of sheep in 2004 and was widely respected for his adherence to strict standards of conformation and type. He was honoured by the Australian Dohne Breeders Association at a dinner in March 2025. Phillip was almost the classic definition of stoic. He had a terrible year health-wise this year, yet only a few weeks ago when we asked him how he was going his response was this: I’m still upright and breathing. It was good to see him encourage young people in the sheep industry, including his own granddaughters Georgia and Maddie. He will be missed by many people who had come to respect him. Continue reading

Mid North classer remembered for lasting impact on Merino, Dohne flocks

Respected Clare-based sheep classer Phillip Venning was doing what he loved right up until the end of his life. After taking ill, he was disappointed to have to relinquish his role as a judge for the shearing competition at Jamestown Show, but even being in hospital did not stop him from entering fleeces. In a poignant moment for his family, he passed away on show day, October 5 - the same day one of his beloved ewes' fleeces was awarded the supreme champion fleece. Phil is being remembered for his considerable impact on many commercial Merino and Dohne flocks, not just in SA but also Vic and NSW, as well as being a recognised shearing judge.

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September Newsletter 2025

September was a big month for Dohne Merino ram sales, with rams being sold across three states New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia. The LambEx26 AMPC Carcase Showcase is now accepting Expressions of Interest. Continue reading

Dohne lamb proving popular

THE Currey family has been breeding Dohne sheep for more than 12 years, with their lamb proving popular through their latest farm-to­-plate venture, the Bogewong Butcher Co shop. Frustrated by a lack of control over lamb prices and keen to add value to their mixed farming operation, Mark and Caitlin Currey pur­chased an existing butcher shop in Walgett in Janu­ary 2024. "The Dohne lambs have excellent growth rates and fat cover, and we're seeing a good amount of intramus­cular fat coming through for improved eating quality, which is really pleasing. Continue reading

Top lamb and wool at Coolah

THE Dohne breed's du­al-purpose attributes are paying off for Amy Redmond, giving her family's sheep operation at Coolah a signifi­cant boost in productivity. "The biggest advantage is having two income streams, we get solid returns from both the wool and the lambs. "Their fertility and moth­ering ability is also excellent, this season our scanning re­sults were 180 per cent." Continue reading

Practical Guide

Dohne Database