Apparel Wool, Meat for a Feast
July Newsletter 2026
The Australian Dohne Breeders' Association was proud to once again host the Dohne Merino Marquee at the 2026 Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo, showcasing the strength of the Dohne Merino breed and the people who continue to drive the industry forward.
A highlight of this year's program was our Education Program, held on Friday, where we welcomed students and teachers from Longerenong College and Moama Anglican Grammar. It was fantastic to see such enthusiastic participation from the next generation of the sheep industry. Continue reading
June Newsletter 2026
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. Copies will be available in July at Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo VIC and the Community Bank Gilgandra & Central West Bendigo Bank NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition, Orange NSW. Continue reading
Hands-on project fostering the next generation of agricultural industry leaders
School students around NSW have been carefully feeding and collecting data on teams of prime lambs in a hands-on project designed to foster and mentor the next generation of farmers.
A total of 26 schools from across the state, ranging from Sydney, Coffs Harbour to the New England and Griffith, will be competing in the inaugural Community Bank Gilgandra and Central West Bendigo Bank NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition at Orange, NSW, on July 29. Continue reading
Dohne carcase and wool profitability shines through to win iconic wether trial
The dual-purpose traits of wool and carcase gave the Dohne breed the edge to dominate the prestigious 2025/2026 Walgett Show Merino Wether Trial, taking out the overall champion.
The results were announced at the 86th annual Walgett Show on May 9-10 following the shearing of the 16 competing teams in March.
David and Annie Berrell, Midgery Dohne Merino Stud, Walgett, won the Fletchers International Exporters champion team trophy (combined wool and carcase) in what is billed as the nation’s and world’s longest running wether trial.
Midgery also won the Clemson Hiscox & Co Nutrien Ag Solutions Trophy for the carcase class.
The teams of eight wethers were run as a single mob for 12 months at a host property at Carinda before visual and objective data collection at shearing and slaughter. The scores from the top six sheep in each team were collated to determine the placings.
In second place was a team from Mark and Caitlin Currey along with Mark’s parents, Jim and Sue Currey, Bogewong Butcher Co, Walgett, reinforcing the Dohne breed’s wool and carcase quality and consistency. Continue reading
Young guns’ stud sheep breeding success against tide of industry exodus
For Mitchell Applegate, moving to the city for education solidified his love of the farming lifestyle - and was when he realised there was no better place to be than in rural WA.
Now Mr Applegate and his family have a successful Dohne stud breeding enterprise that started with the purchase of one Dohne stud in 2019 and another in 2025.
"The Dohnes are a dual-purpose breed. They produce a AAAM fleece and have great meat traits, as well as high fertility. This is why I really like the breed." "The positive feedback from clients really drives what we do and drives me to continue focusing on the genetic side. We achieve this through DNA testing, eye muscle scanning, fleece weighing and wool testing, visual classing, multiple body weights and other trait measurement." 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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