Christmas Newsletter 2025

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Councils’ Year in Review
Continued drought conditions in South Australia and Victoria colour my perspective as I look at the past year. The decline in sheep numbers progresses and low wool prices makes it hard for the Dohne Merino to hold market share. The shining light at the moment is lamb and mutton prices allowing Dohne Merinos to rise above traditional wooled sheep. I believe that the best way forward is to rely on the input of the next generation whose expertise lies in social media and new technology. We need their guidance to make the most of the opportunities available to reach the sheep breeders of the future.
The year began well with the Face-to-face meeting held in Adelaide in March. Peta Bradley’s attendance and presentation helped us to finalize our long running discussions with Sheep Genetics. Implementation of their new system of 2 data runs; one for meat breeds one for merino types, will begin in 2027. The next Face-to-face Council meeting will be held centrally in Adelaide in February 2026.
The members’ dinner was held at the same time. Assessor, Philip Venning, along with his daughter Erica, were able to attend. He also attended all days of the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, in Bendigo. Unfortunately, in October, he passed away, still actively involved in wool production. The ADBA was well represented at his funeral by members, including Allan Kelly who had the honour of delivering a eulogy.
Our Bendigo ASWS Feature Breed commitments concluded this year with a great display and competition in the new Dohne Marquee. Thanks to our sponsors for their support to make this event possible.
The AGM was held at Bendigo again this year in conjunction with the ASWS. This provided the highlight of the year for me, when we were excited to welcome new councillors, Mitchell Applegate, Daniel Pumpa and Sandy Pye, to the continuing group of John Nadin, Lynda Farrow, Darren Gurnett. Don Mills has agreed to continue as Vice President and I will continue as President for another year.
Life Member David Kain held his final sale in September. We wish him all the best for his next venture and I’m pleased to know his Far Valley Stud’s valuable genetic influence will not be lost to the breed.
The Dohne Merino prime lamb competition is ready to begin in the new 2026 school year in high schools in NSW. Driving this are Daniel Pumpa and John Nadin and their committee. It will culminate in an Open Day in Orange in July which will hopefully attract many members and sheep breeders. The ADBA will hold our AGM in conjunction with this event. More details early next year!
Dohne Merinos are prominent in AMSEA Superior Sire Evaluations and we will hopefully be able to provide incentives for studs to participate in the future. We continue to promote the breed through representation and sponsorship of events such as SA Sheep Expo and individually at field days Australia wide.
I am pleased that the call for more member participation on committees has been taken up. Any interest is welcome. It’s great to have different perspectives represented. Thanks to the Promotions Committee; the publication of a calendar instead of journal this year has been an innovation to attempt to gain a wider audience. I also thank the Show/Education Committee for their great work.
Without the incredible input of all Councillors and Kaye Butler and Tanya Barton, none of the achievements of the ADBA would be possible. Thank-you all for your guidance and support throughout my tenure as President.
Greg Hall, ADBA President

Sheep Genetics Analysis
The first analysis for 2026 will be:
• DOHNE MERINO – Wednesday 7th January

Dohne Merino Ram Sales
Dohne Merino ram sales commence in February 2026 in the New England area of NSW.
For more details, please details below:

Friday 6 February – Harewood Annual On Property Ram Sale, Armidale NSW – Click Here
Monday 16 February – Alfoxton On Property Ram Sale, Armidale NSW – Click Here

2026 Events

Annual Face to Face
Council’s annual Face to Face meeting will be held in Adelaide from the Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 February 2026.

NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition
2026 will see the inaugural running of the ADBA’s first 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. 25 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 till July, with the lambs then being shorn, measured and slaughtered. It is anticipated that approximately 250 students will be involved in the Orange event. There will be guest speakers and displays by sponsors.
Studs will have the opportunity to participate at this event with displays available free of charge. And many hands help make light work for the running of the event. Any studs interested to displaying at this event are asked to contact the secretary secretary@dohne.com.au with an expression of interest, and further details will be forwarded in the new year. Anyone looking for more information contact NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition Subcommittee Chair Daniel Pumpa 0428 665 016.

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.

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 and further information will be forwarded to all members early in the new year. Including guest speaker(s) and format for the day.

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^th 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.