Paul Neilson, DVM, and his wife, Renae, could have left well enough alone. After all, they were just a few years away from handing control of the Nick Theos Family Ranch in Northwest Colorado to their daughter, Kelcee Vroman, and son-in-law, Ryan. But like most parents, they wanted more for the generations to come. So, they set off on the Dohne Merino project, injecting new bloodlines into a Columbia-based flock that was in serious need of improvement when it came to wool quality. The result has been finer, whiter, longer wool without sacrificing meat quality or quantity. Continue reading →

IN a world becoming increasingly socially conscious on animal welfare, social responsibility and environmental sustainability, the wool industry will always be subject to constant change and innovation. Over the past 30 years, and in particular the past 3, mulesing has been at the forefront of focus from both within and beyond the industry. Continue reading →

THE dual-purpose attributes of the Dohne breed have given Tasmanian mixed farmers Richard and Sarah Johnston increased market flexibility, with their annual draft of crossbred lambs in strong demand from processors. Continue reading →

Our breeding program aims for a balanced set of EBV traits, backed up by a strict visual appraisal for structure, wool quality, staple length, doing ability and soundness. Commercially unprofitable sheep are eliminated. Continue reading →

The platform for making these transitions is for his clients to benefit from solid fertility – achieving a higher percentage of lambing ultimately gives you more lambs, more wool and generally more product to sell. The Dohne as a breed is providing this platform. Continue reading →

“I love the Dohne as they’re tough. We’re pushing our sheep much harder in that we’re shearing twice a year and looking to get 1.3 to 1.4 lambs out of her. They love fibre (roughage) and they’re good doers.”

Original… Continue reading →

FOR SHEEP farmers, quality wool is a trait that can’t be sacrificed and the Dohne’s superior white wool makes them a breed that ticks all the boxes. This is the case for Dohne breeder Russell Coad who’s lived on his family’s Barunah Plains property in Victoria his entire life. Continue reading →