December Newsletter 2024

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Vale Brian James Hewett
Council would like to inform members of the passing of former members Brian Hewett, Pineside Dohnes, Ariah Park NSW. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Brian’s family.
Brian’s funeral was held on Monday 25 November 2024.

Sheep Genetics Analysis
The last analysis for 2024 will be:
•    DOHNE MERINO – Friday 6th December
The first analysis for 2025 will be:
•    DOHNE MERINO – Tuesday 7th January

States’ Year in Review NSW
Hello to all, firstly I would like to congratulate all who contributed to the Dohne Expo at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show, it was a fantastic display that highlighted the Dohne breed, well done to the organising committee. 
With the south of the state in drought and the north having one of its best winters in years the confidence in sheep is subdued. Lamb prices have improved but mutton I believe is still below cost of production.
With this in mind ram sale results have been solid throughout the year, clearance rates are up 10% on 2023 but rams offered were down. The top price at auction went to Macquarie with $6000, followed by Calga $5600, and Gullendah $4000. Sale averages were up around $200 on last year, Gullendah had a 100% clearance with a $2391 average followed by Macquarie stud with 100% clearance and $2191 average.
Let’s keep fingers crossed that the incoming summer rain predictions bring relief to southern areas and set us all up for a great 2025. Merry Christmas.
The Land – Dohne Sale Reports – Click Here
David Berrell, ADBA NSW President 

$6000 top price for New South Wales – Macquarie Dohne Stud.

$2,391 top average for New South Wales – Gullendah Dohne Merino Stud.

States’ Year in Review Victoria
What a year; the Baker family, Dingee VIC topped the Bendigo lamb sales, not once but three weeks in a row. Rod Baker sold about 700 Dohne-cross lambs, averaging an impressive 38 to 40 kilograms carcass weight, from late May through to early June, averaging $254 a head across for the entire draft of just over 700 10-month-old lambs, with a top of $270 a head.
It had been many years of planning and hard work by the show committee, but this year the big event was finally here. The DOHNE Feature Breed at the 2024 Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo. The Dohne Marquee was a sight to behold with eight studs (NSW – Calga, DD, Kardinia, Macquarie and Uardry, VIC – Gunyado, SA – Clover Downs and Ulooloo) from three different states showcasing their finest exhibits.
Last year studs donated Dohne fleeces to the Australian Woolcraft ladies that did an outstanding job of showcasing the Dohne Merino in their Feature Breed display.
It was great to have both Longeranong Agricultural College and Moama Anglican Grammer students once again participate in our education program, and we look forward to seeing the back again next year.
Ethical Outback Wool produced and manufactured garments from the AMSEA Coonong Station Dohne Sire Evaluation clip, these garments were showcased in our daily Marquee Fashion Parade’s.
Our sponsors this year were; Elders, Shearwell, Sapien Technology, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Riverina Wool Testers, Ethical Outback Wool, Quality Wool, Central West Genetics, Fox & Lillie Rural, Australian Community Media, Olsson’s and Shamrock Hotel.
The Australian Sheep and Wool Show has become a highlight on our calendars and we can’t wait to come together once again to celebrate the remarkable Dohne breed.
Until then, stay connected, keep breeding and continue to strive for excellence.
Darren Gurnett, ADBA Victoria President

Dohne Merino Marquee at the 2024 Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo.