February 2020

Adelaide was the venue chosen for the Australian Dohne Breeders Association members Forum. All stud breeders were invited to attend for a day and a half in which many matters that are of importance to the breed were outlined and there was plenty of time available for discussion. Major opportunities for change in the future were given priority by way of information and discussion sessions. The National Council also met both before and after the Forum to maximise the efficient use of time and travel.

Our involvement was significant with Allen attending for three and a half days, and Lauren participating in the Forum including the Dinner where she met many of the key people involved in promoting the benefits of our breed, as well as Sheep Genetics staff. Damien kept things ticking over back at Glen Holme, and Joy was able to meet with the other Councillors over dinner one evening and provided support back home and helped with transport for Allen.

We had been asked to make a presentation on the major outcomes from the involvement of our Dohne Sire in the Merino Lifetime Productivity Sire evaluation trial at Balmoral in Victoria. Lauren had prepared it and most of the information was able to be depicted using graphs which had visual impact.