After three consecutive wet years along with high sheep and lamb prices, 2023 was disappointing on the price side coupled with the majority of our clients receiving well below average rainfall, fed sheep for most of the year and didn’t plant crops. Unfortunately the cost of production remains extremely high causing many sheep producers to cut back on numbers and, in some cases, get out of sheep altogether. As we know, livestock production is long term ….. especially genetically. The result of breeding decisions made now aren’t realised for twelve to twenty four months. As the year closes the lamb market is back to sustainable prices and wool EMI has picked up 100c. Unfortunately mutton and re-stocker prices remain below par. On a positive side, 2023 in some respects was one of our most successful. At the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in July, we had a record showing of the Dohne breed in Australia taking out 24 broad ribbons including Supreme exhibit, Grand Champion Junior and Senior ram, Grand Champion Pair, Grand Champion Group and Champion Group of 3 fleeces (5th time in succession) along with the Most Successful Exhibitor. Continue reading →

There is a growing preference amongst consumers for natural, biodegradable, sustainable and renewable materials. The forecast for global wool demand from 2023 to 2030 is an increase of 4.9%. As I’ve said before, this is where the Dohne shines … lower production costs, high fertility, doing ability, quality fine apparel wool, plain bodied, mules free, high growth rates and a prime lamb carcase. On a more positive note Macquarie has recorded its most successful year to date. Continue reading →

With commodity prices falling and the season tightening the gloss has somewhat come off agriculture. This is where the Dohne really shines ….. low production costs, low labour inputs, high fertility, doing ability, quality apparel wool, plain bodied, mules free, high growth rates and a quality prime lamb carcase. Although the wool market has lagged behind other agricultural commodities in recent years, it has been consistent . The fineness, staple strength, staple length and quality of Dohne wool along with the premium for non-mulesed wool still makes the wool component a profitable return. Coupled with early turn-off of quality prime lambs and low labour input, the Dohne package remains the most profitable sheep enterprise. This is evident in the results of Macquarie’s performance in merino sire evaluations in some of the most challenging sheep country in Australia. The results below speak for themselves. Continue reading →