December Newsletter 2025

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States’ Year in Review Victoria
I would like to start by thanking our team of committee members who work tirelessly over the year to make things happen. If it wasn’t for these people, the Dohne Merino Association would not be.
The year has gone fast and Christmas is on us. The Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo was a great success again with our new position being well received by all. Well done to all participating studs and congratulations to the winning studs. It was great to see a great lineup of Dohne’s.
Thanks again to all who helped with the set up and running of the show, we hope to see you all next year, hopefully with a few new studs. Again, next year the ADBA will have one shearing date for classes at the ASWS. The Shearing date will be the first week of April (1st to 7th April 2026).
Despite two years of drought conditions, Dohnes have proven their worth as prime lamb mothers in Victoria with progeny topping Bendigo lamb sale on three occasions throughout 2025. Although this has not been reflected through ram sales at this stage, the demand for Dohne ewes is unprecedented.
We need to continue working hard promoting the excellent trait’s the Dohne offers.
Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year.
Darren Gurnett, ADBA Victoria President

2025 ASWS Dohne Merino Marquee Event. 

NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition
This year the Association put together a Sub Committee of Daniel Pumpa, John Nadin, Sandy Pye and Charlie Berrell to organise the first NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition.
This event will be run on the 29 July 2026, held at the Orange Showgrounds NSW.
We will see 25 different Schools from across NSW ranging from Sydney, Coffs Harbour to New England then all the way across to Griffith. Which gives a massive range to see how these animals perform in different climates, conditions. We expect to see around 250 students at this event.
Each School will receive 5 wether lambs on 25 February 2026, to which they take full responsibilities to grow out for the next 5 months.
This event is to encourage these kids to stay in agriculture and help shape the next generation. It will also let them learn more about wool and meat from another breed to help these kids grow into the future.
We also have the gates open to Dohne Studs putting up a display of sheep to draw in any spectators or commercial breeders to also see the kids’ sheep and the event in itself.
The event is going to be free for the public to come in and have a look. There will be a canteen serving breakfast and lunch on the day of the event.
Daniel Pumpa, Subcommittee Chair of the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition

National Promotions
Due to the 2025/2026 Dohne Merino Calendar being a hit this year with sponsors, members and the general public. The National Promotional Committee has decided to publish another Dohne Merino Calendar next year a stunning A4-sized calendar running from July 2026 to June 2027.
It’s more than a calendar – it’s a celebration of innovation in the industry! Let’s make the Dohne Merino Calendar an exciting and impactful celebration of our community.
Get your ad space or story in early to ensure your spot!
Please email admin@dohne.com.au your booking details.
Check out, our current 2025/2026 Dohne Merino Calendar – Click Here

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.