- RELATED: Future is all in the flock
A South Australian producer who spoke at the 2016 Global Dohne Conference believes the breed could be the sheep of choice for producers wanting to breed superior mothering ability and growth rates to meet lamb market specifications, and still produce a quality fleece.
Wayne Hawkins, Circle H Farms, Frances, South Australia, had a “light-bulb moment” while visiting Dohne operations in Western Australia in the early 2000’s
“In 1998, I went on a trip to China, seeing there was a market for quality wool, when I returned I bought 2000 Merino ewes however the trip to WA, produced a light bulb moment - I was breeding sheep for wool and prices were low - I needed to make money,” Mr Hawkins said.
“My focus changed from wool to meat and I wanted to produce a lamb with a good carcase.”
Mr Hawkins believed he found his “ideal sheep” in the Dohne breed.
“Here was a proven breed that met all my needs - ewes can reach lambing percentages of 115-125pc,” he said.