2025 December Newsletter

Macquarie year in review

With lamb and mutton values at an all time high and the wool market on the rise there is no better time to capitalise with dual purpose Dohne genetics. As we reflect on 25 years providing top Dohne genetics , the success of Macquarie Dohne Stud is well documented through within flock sire evaluations, ram sales, wool sales and the show ring. However, and most importantly, our client’s success.

DP O’Brien Family Trust ‘Cryon Station’ Walgett NSW
- Sucker lambs
  - 20 – 24 weeks
  - 23.0kg DWT
  - 1145 c/kg
  - Ave $266.41

Woomera Pastoral Trust ‘Rose Hill’ Gurley NSW
- 4 1/2 yo ewes
  - 39.96kg DWT $277.20
  - Skin $30
  - Total value $307.20
- Sucker lambs
  - 20 – 24 weeks
  - 23.6kg DWT
  - Ave $283.10
  - Skin $12

*Woomera Pastoral ewe lambs with 6 months wool growth.*

Yaccabri Pastoral Company ‘Kilburnie‘ Rankin Springs NSW
- Heavy weight lambs over the hook at Gundagai Meat Processors
- 71% made category GLQ5+ receiving an 80c / kg premium

*Yaccabri Pastoral Company line of Dohne lambs to Gundagai Meat Processors, with 71 per cent achieving the GLQ5+ bonus.*

O’Brien Brigalows Pastoral ‘The Brigalows’ Carinda NSW
- 20-24 week old Store wether lambs
- 39.5kg
- $217
- 1240 c/kg DWT

Perry Family ‘Wyndabyne’ Quambone NSW
- The Perry’s ewes were the grand mothers of the National lamb record price of $477.20 at Dubbo sale yards in August.

*Dohne Genetics by Perry Family Ewes, prove their worth, with National Lamb Record hits $477.20 at Dubbo sale yards in August.*

Apex Pastoral Co ‘Mowamba’ Duri NSW
- 2 1/2 & 3 1/2 yo ewes
- Lambs just weaned off
- $256
- 1062.2 c/kg DWT

Australian Sheep and Wool Show 2025

4 out of 5 Grand Champion Ribbons
21 Board Ribbons
Most Successful Exhibitor Sheep and Fleece

Macquarie continued it’s exemplary success at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show (ASWS) in Bendigo. Of the 36 broad ribbons on offer in the sheep and fleece showing, Macquarie won 21 of them as well as Most Successful Exhibitor for both sheep and fleece. In the fleece section Macquarie won the best 3 fleeces and best single fleece in both the 9-12 months and 6-8 months growth, the latter for a record seven time in succession.

*Proudly Sponsor by Shearwell Australia Tim Armstrong, Champion Senior Ram held by John Nadin. Sold to the Holt family ‘Coonong Station’ Urana NSW for $12,000.*

*Grand Champion Ewe held by Robyn Nadin.*

22nd On Property Production Sale
Full clearance at Macquarie Dohne with increased average and larger draft

Buyers sought structure and well-nourished wool at the Macquarie Dohne ram sale, held at Carinya, near Ballimore, on Wednesday, September 24.

All 162 lots sold to a top of $5500, twice, to average $2960, up $769 on last year.

David Berrell, Midgery Dohne stud, Walgett, secured the first $5500 ram, MD241741.

Son of MD228013 and out of MD191564, the June 2024-drop ram had Australian Sheep Breeding Values at +5.84 post weaning weight, +0.14 post weaning eye muscle depth, +8.81 yearling clean fleece weight (YCFW) and -0.38 yearling fibre diameter.

Mr Berrell also purchased MD-214317 son, MD241776, for $4500.

His family-run mixed enterprise includes Angus cattle, cropping, a Dohne stud and 4000 commercial Dohne ewes.

The commercial flock averages 20.5 micron, cuts six kilograms of wool per head and scans at 143 per cent.

“[The top ram] is an all-round correct ram with a strong back end and well-nourished wool,” he said.

“The other ram is a bit of a wildcard, but he has a stylish, bold, well-crimped wool that sets him apart from the top ram.”

Both rams will return to the stud, each running with 60 to 70 ewes in a February-March joining.

Last year, Mr Berrell sold 2300 wether lambs to Fletchers, Thomas Foods International and through the saleyards, averaging $292 a head.

CA and JM Ross, Balmoral, Victoria, bought the second top-priced ram, MD241770, for $5500.

Son of MD228067 and out of MD181144, the June 2024-drop ram ranked in the top five per cent of the breed for +2.02 yearling eye muscle depth and top 20pc at +14.05 YCFW, and +0.10 number of lambs weaned.

The Ross family also purchased three other rams to average $4125.

Volume buyer Thomas, Annie and Michael O’Brien, Brigalows, Carinda, purchased 31 rams to $3500 to average $2806.

Structure, fertility and conformation topped the family’s priorities.

They run 6000 Dohne ewes averaging 20 micron, joined mid-November.

Stud co-principal John Nadin, Macquarie, said he was thrilled with the sale’s result.

JG and SK Currey, Aberfoyle, Walgett, bought 16 rams to $5000 to average $3218.

DP O’Brien, Cryon Station, Walgett, secured 16 rams to $4000 to average $2968.

Nutrien Clemson Hiscox and Co, Walgett, conducted the sale, with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.

The Land By Elka Devney

James Nadin, Macquarie, Bruce Bryant, Peter Milling and Co, Wellington, auctioneer Paul Dooley, Tamworth, buyers David and Lucy Berrell, Midgery, Walgett, with the top-priced ram, MD241505. Picture by Elka Devney

Ross Thompson

This year marked Ross’ 25th year working for the Nadin’s. Ross’ loyalty, honesty and dedication is unsurpassed. Thank you Rossco.

Vale Philip Venning

On a sad note the sheep industry lost one of its great sheep classers and mentor in Phil Venning. Phil was a Dohne classer and classed the largest number of stud Dohnes in Australia. I admired and respected Phil immensely and he will be sorely missed. We extend our condolences to the Venning family.

Phil Venning, Clare SA, with his extra ultrafine Merino fleece which won the most valuable fleece in the 2014 Australian Fleece Competition at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show. File picture by Catherine Miller.

Dates for the diary – 2026

Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo VIC

Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July

Once again Macquarie Dohnes will be showing at the Australian Sheep wool Show at the Bendigo Showgrounds. The Dohne Merino Marquee Event will run over the three day with the Education Program.

NSW Dohne Prime Lamb School’s Competition, Orange NSW

Wednesday 29 July

The inaugural NSW Dohne Prime Lamb School’s Competition, will be held at the Orange Showgrounds. Twenty-five 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 on the day. Macquarie Dohnes will also have a display at this event.

Ram Breeders Course, Orange NSW

Thursday 30 July

The Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association will be conducting Ram Breeders course at the Orange Showgrounds. This event will coincide with the conclusion of the NSW Dohne Prime Lamb School’s Competition. Studs, commercial breeders, agents’ etc are all welcome to take part in this event. ADBA Approved Classer Allan Casey will be running this course. If you would be interested in doing this course please email or text Tanya Barton 0429 208 674.

Pre-Sale Viewing Day

Friday 11 September
9:30am to 4pm
Macquarie Ram Depot, Ballimore NSW

23rd On Property Production Sale, Ballimore NSW

Wednesday 23 September
Inspection 9:30am
Sale 1pm

Sale will be held at Macquarie Ram Depot, Ballimore NSW.

The auction will be interfaced with AuctionsPlus and settling agent will be Nutrien Ag Solutions Clemson Hiscox and Peter Milling & Company, Bruce Bryant assessing with phone bidding.

Thank you

Thank you to all buyers and underbidders, the selling team of Nutrien Clemson Hiscox, Bruce Bryant of Peter Milling & Co and auctioneer Paul Dooley.
Wishing all clients, supporters , Classer James Koster, Secretary / Admin Tanya Barton, and Macquarie staff a Merry Christmas and thank you for your continued support.
John and Greg.