In a Communication by Mr. Bruce Barnes-Webb, former President of Dohne Merino South Africa, it is confirmed that planning of the Global Dohne Merino Conference to be held in Melbourne, Australia, July 2016, is going ahead. He also mentioned that it is intended to invite Mr. Cameron McMaster as guest speaker at the conference dinner. Council of the South African Dohne Merino Breed Society decided that Manager – Dr. Kobus Delport and President Mr. JL Vosloo will officially represent the Dohne Merino Breed Society of South Africa at the planned Conference.
The South African Dohne Merino Breed Society is to be represented by as many as possible South Africans at this important event on the timeline of the Dohne Merino breed. Therefore it is requested that South African Stud and flock Dohne Merino Breeders contact the office of their Breed Society (Tel 043 683 1330) before 15 August 2015 to preliminary confirm their intended participation. At this stage confirmation do not imply any financial obligation or guarantees. The purpose is to only estimate the possible number of attendees to finalise the Venue, accommodation transport etc. in Australia. The South African office will also attempt to negotiate Air-fares at a discount once numbers of people are known. The preliminary program is included for convenience.
GLOBAL DOHNE CONFERENCE JULY 2016 PROGRAM
Friday 15 July: Arrive Melbourne, Victoria
Sat 16 July: Free day in Melbourne, delegates
can tour the city at their leisure.
Sun 17 July: Bus departs Melbourne at 8:00am
for Bendigo where delegates will spend the day
at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show; this is
the biggest sheep show in the world with more
than 3000 sheep on show.
Mon 18 July: Delegates to visit the Bendigo lamb sale at 10.00 am to view a yard sale. This venue regularly has
in excess of 30 000 lambs for sale. Following the sale delegates will travel back to the showground to view the
Merino Ram Sale. At 1.30 pm Delegates depart for Echuca where they will visit Bruce Barnes-Webb’s DD Dohne
Stud. Delegates will then spend the night at Echuca Australia’s only inland port on the Murray River.
Tue 19 July: 7.00 am depart for Corowa to view a Dohne feedlot at Riverlea. Depart at 11.00 am for Coonong
Station owned by Tom and Sophie Holt. This is one of the largest commercial Dohne operations in Australia.
Depart at 3.30 pm for Narrandera to spend the night.
Wed 20 July: 8.00 am depart the Motel to visit Peter and Margot Hughes Gullendah Stud. Following lunch depart
at 2.00 pm to visit the Roseville Park Stud owned by Graham and Susan Coddington. Roseville Park to host an
evening meal and entertainment prior to departing for Dubbo at 8.00 pm for overnight accommodation.
Thurs 21 July: Morning program. Tour of the Fletcher International Meatworks or visit the Western Plains Zoo to
view Australia’s wildlife. Tour Chad Wool and Macwool.
Afternoon program. Dohne display by local studs and commercial breeders.
Evening program. Cocktail party and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) Fashion Show.
Friday 22 July: Conference commences followed by the NATIONAL RAM SALE and concluding with a Formal
dinner on Friday evening with guest speaker.
Conference Topics: (may be subject to alteration). Global appeal of the Breed; Genomics and economic
significance; Economics of dual purpose, self-replacing sheep flock; Shearer training and animal welfare issues
facing the industry.
Reports by representatives from South Africa, South America, Russia, New Zealand and Australia.
Sat 23 July: Conference concludes at 1.00 pm.
Bus departs for Sydney, New South Wales.
Delegates can opt for various tours to other states including the following.
Option 1. Travel from Sydney to Adelaide and tour South
Australian Studs.
Option 2. Travel to Western Australia and tour WA Studs.