The Dohne Merino breeders of South Africa believe that the world conference, which will be held between 16 and 23 July 2016 in the regions of Melbourne and Dubbo, will be the start of better international promotion and co-operation worldwide.
Members of the Organizing committee of the First Dohne Merino World Conference in Australia
This milestone in the Dohne Merino’s expansion is dedicated to the celebration of the 50th year of existence of the Dohne Merino Breed Society of South Africa. It is a fitting manner in which South African breeders will to be honoured for their ground breaking work over the past 75 years. The now world class versatile Dohne Merino, is authentically South African, bred to adapt anywhere in the world. The occasion will be marked by inter alia an address presented by Mr Cameron McMaster during the congress dinner. Our Mr Cameron McMaster enjoys international acclaim as “Mr Dohne Merino”. It is expected that he will not only summarise the history but will also stimulate ideas concerning the international road ahead.
The programme kicks off with a visit to the Australian Sheep and Wool show which is widely recognised as the biggest small stock show in the world. It is expected that more than 3000 sheep will take part in the show at Bendigo.
Another highlight is the sale at Wangaratta where more than 30 000 lambs will be offered on sale. This will be followed by a visit to the astronomically big sheep feedlot and meat processing unit before the actual start of the conference.
The conference features aspects concerning the international marketing of the breed as well as a consumer’s perspective on Dohne Merino meat and wool production. Mr JL (Koos) Vosloo currently president of the SA Dohne Merino Breed Society, will address international strategy and the role of the Dohne Merino in the South African small stock industry. South Africans look forward to gain information on the status of the breed in other countries across the world. This includes amongst others South America, Europe and Asia.
Technical aspects concerning genomic selection and possible international comparisons will be addressed by professional animal scientists stationed at the internationally acclaimed skills centre in Armidale. Dr Kobus Delport will summarise current strategies to increase the rate of reproduction in South African Dohne Merinos.
In short, the South Africans who will attend this conference can prepare themselves for a unique “once in a lifetime” experience.
Dohne Merinos in Australia – Excellent farming!
Dohne Merinos in Urugay
Progeny of Andries Greyling’s Dohne Merinos on the Falkland Islands