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2026 DSSA National Show Dubbowww.dorper.com.auWinter Edition 2026 NEWSLETTER 2026 DSSA National Show at the Dubbo Show showcased the outstanding quality of both Dorper and White Dorper genetics, with strong competition from leading studs across Australia. Dell Dorpers enjoyed an exceptional show, claiming multiple major championships across both breeds, including Grand Champion Dorper Ewe, Grand Champion White Dorper Ewe, Grand Champion White Dorper Ram, and numerous Junior and Senior Championships. Dell Dorpers also won the Group Class (One Ram & Two Ewe Lambs) in both the Dorper and White Dorper sections. Deepdale Dorpers also had an outstanding performance, taking out Grand Champion Dorper Ram, Champion Junior Dorper Ewe, Champion Junior Dorper Ram, Champion Junior White Dorper Ram, and Most Successful Dorper Exhibit, while also collecting several Reserve Championships throughout the competition. Other notable results included: Tullinga Dorper Stud – Reserve Champion Junior White Dorper Ewe and strong placings throughout the White Dorper classes. Burrawang – Reserve Champion Junior Dorper Ewe, Reserve Champion Junior Dorper Ram, and consistent success across both ewe and ram classes. Rhaegal Dorpers – Class-winning performances in the junior Dorper ewe and ram sections. Cowra High School – Strong placings in individual and group classes, while Blake Lees won the Junior Handler Competition. The 2026 Dubbo Show once again demonstrated the depth of quality, structural soundness, and genetic excellence being produced within Australia's Dorper and White Dorper flocks. Congratulations! to all exhibitors & Thank you! to all sponsors, volunteers, judges, and stewards who contributed to another successful year showcasing the Dorper & White Dorper breeds at all Events 2026 DSSA National Show - Dubbo www.dorper.com.au
The 2026 Australian Sheep & Wool Show (ASWS) in Bendigo once again showcased the outstanding quality of Australia's Dorper and White Dorper genetics. With strong competition across both breeds, the event highlighted the continued progress being made by breeders from across the country. In the White Dorper section, Kaya Dorper Stud was awarded Most Successful White Dorper Exhibitor, while Dumisa Stud enjoyed an exceptional show, claiming Grand Champion White Dorper Ram, Junior Champion Ram, and the Champion Cleanskin Group. Tullinga Dorper Stud was also among the major winners, taking out Grand Champion White Dorper Ewe, Senior Champion White Dorper Ewe, and Reserve Junior Champion White Dorper Ram. Deepdale Dorpers secured Reserve Senior Champion Ram and Reserve Junior Champion White Dorper Ewe, while Burrawang claimed Reserve Senior Champion White Dorper Ewe. The Dorper competition was equally impressive, with Brummy's Blacks recognised as the Most Successful Dorper Exhibitor. Dell Dorpers dominated the championships, winning Supreme Dorper Exhibit, Supreme Grand Champion Dorper Ram, Senior Champion Ram, Grand Champion Dorper Ewe, Junior Champion Ewe, and placing first in the prestigious Charles Edson Memorial Breeders Group competition. Deepdale Dorpers claimed Junior Champion Ram, while Kaya Dorper Stud was awarded Reserve Senior Champion Ram. Tullinga Dorper Stud secured Senior Champion Ewe, with Dell Dorpers taking Reserve Senior Champion Ewe, and Burrawang awarded Reserve Junior Champion Ewe. The prestigious 2026 ASWS Cleanskin Interbreed Championships were won by Dell Dorpers, with Super Hero 240493 awarded Champion Cleanskin Interbreed and Winnie 250196 taking Reserve Champion Cleanskin Interbreed. Congratulations to all exhibitors for presenting sheep of exceptional quality and to Jill Noble for her expertise in judging both the Dorper and White Dorper sections. The Society also congratulates all junior handlers, with Abigail Vagg winning the 4–7 Years Junior Handlers competition, Isabel Vagg placing second, Harvey Knight third, and Mack Norris achieving second place in the Intermediate Cleanskin Junior Handlers competition. The 2026 ASWS once again demonstrated the strength, consistency, and continued advancement of Dorper and White Dorper genetics in Australia and remains one of the premier showcases for the breeds. 2026 Australian Sheep & Wool Show Bendigo
The 18th Annual DSSA Queensland Multi-Vendor Dorper & White Dorper Ram Sale, held at the St George Showgrounds, was another outstanding success, attracting strong competition from buyers across Australia and online through StockLive. The sale offered 125 rams and two ewes, showcasing the depth of quality and genetics being produced by DSSA members. The sale reached a significant milestone when Kaya Dorper Stud set a new Queensland Dorper ram sale record of $18,000 for Kaya 240921, purchased by Red Rock Dorpers. Kaya also achieved the top-priced White Dorper ram, with Kaya White 240700 selling for $17,500 to the partnership of Stansbury Dorpers & Dell Dorpers. Remarkably, both record-breaking rams had only days earlier been awarded Senior Champion and Reserve Senior Champion respectively at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo, demonstrating not only their outstanding quality but also the remarkable ability of the Dorper breed to travel across the country while maintaining exceptional condition. The sale averaged $2,547 for Dorper rams and an impressive $3,880 for White Dorper rams, reflecting continued buyer confidence in the commercial value of both breeds. Other standout results included Boonoon White 250228, which sold for $7,400, and a fantastic result for first-time vendor Eisentrager Dorpers, whose Lot 130 – Eisentrager 250052 sold for $6,000, highlighting the strong demand for quality genetics from both established and emerging studs. Online bidding through StockLive once again played a significant role, allowing buyers from across Australia to participate in real time and generating strong competition throughout the auction. Thank you to Andrea Weiss for once again taking on the role of Sale Coordinator, ensuring another professionally run and highly successful sale. The Society extends its sincere thanks to Mel Davies for the countless hours dedicated to producing the sale catalogue, coordinating social media promotion, and playing an integral role in the success of the event. Also, a special thank you is also extended to the Southern family and Lachie Radford and the Elders team for their tireless work on the ground before, during and after the sale. Congratulations to Kaya Dorper Stud on their record-breaking achievements, and thank you to all vendors, purchasers, sponsors, volunteers and StockLive for their continued support. The continued strength of the St George Sale reinforces its reputation as one of Australia's premier marketing events for Dorper and White Dorper genetics. A multi-vendor DSSA sale is far more than a place to market sheep, it is an opportunity to showcase years of breeding decisions, dedication and genetic progress. It is where breeding programs are benchmarked against the best, reputations are built, and lasting relationships with clients are strengthened. Whether you are an established stud breeder, commercial producer, hobby farmer or just beginning your Dorper journey, sale day is where our industry comes together to learn, network and celebrate the breed we all have a passion for. The journey to the 2027 St George Sale starts now. The joining decisions made this season will determine the sheep that walk into the sale ring next year. Challenge yourself, breed with purpose, and start planning today. We look forward to seeing both returning and new vendors in the ring in 2027. 18 Annual DSSA Qld Multi-Vendor Dorper & White Dorper Sale th
The Dorper Sheep Society of Australia was proud to participate in LambEx 2026, Australia's premier sheep, lamb and wool conference, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 7–10 July 2026. The DSSA Board Members proudly manned our trade stall and promote the Dorper and White Dorper breeds, connected with producers and industry stakeholders, and showcase the productivity, adaptability and commercial value of our breeds to a national audience on behalf of all our members. The event brought together producers, researchers, processors, advisors, students and industry leaders from across Australia and overseas to share knowledge, explore innovation and discuss the future of the sheep industry. Under the theme "Telling Our Stories", LambEx 2026 delivered an outstanding program of keynote presentations, producer case studies, technical workshops and networking opportunities. We particular liked Dr Pete McGilchrist (Professor of meat science UNE) his enthusiasm for all things sheep was contagious. The conference also featured popular events including the AMPC Carcase Showcase, Coles Trailblazers, LambEx on Tour and a comprehensive trade exhibition. Elders Grandslamb Gala Dinner was a highlight but most of us opted out of the early morning exercise programs. The conference welcomed a record 1,452 delegates, reinforcing confidence in the future of the Australian sheep industry and highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation and leadership across the supply chain.LambEx 2026
EKKA & what an Ekka it was! Dorpers win 6 out of the 8 prime lamb classes🏆 CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS! 🏆 THE ULTIMATE HONOUR IN THE SHEEP COMPETITION HAS BEEN DECIDED! 🏆CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS RAM - BASECAMP BUDDY BELLA, JORDAN, BEN & DEB RYE YORDANI & IVORY DORPERS & WHITE DORPERS👏🏆 CHAMPION DORPER RAM 🏆 EISENTRAGER HUNTMANS 250053 EISENTRAGER DORPERS 🏆RESERVE CHAMPION DORPER RAM BURRAWANG! 🏆 🏆 RESERVE CHAMPION OF CHAMPION EWE 🏆 BASECAMP “Lulu” 250321 CEDAR VALLY DORPERS & WHITE DORPERS DORPERS CLEAN UP AT EKKA IN BOTH GRASS AND GRAINFEED LAMB CARCASE RESULTS 🏆OVERALL CHAMPION TRADE LAMB CARCASE 🏆 BELLEVUE DORPERS
UPDATES, HIGHLIGHTS & THANK YOU The 2026 / 2027 Dorper 30th Anniversary Journal has arrived, and what a fantastic edition it is! Celebrating 30 years of Dorper Sheep in Australia, this milestone publication is a testament to the dedication, collaboration and hard work of many people. A sincere thank you to all the studs and businesses who supported the Journal through advertising. Your continued support enables us to produce and distribute this publication free to all members each year. Special thanks to Brett Tindal of Signature Ag for his outstanding journalism, editing and design work in bringing the publication to life, and to our Executive Officer - Glenda whose coordination of the many contributors, advertisers and deadlines ensured the Magazine Committee's vision became a reality. Finally, thank you to the Magazine Committee, whose commitment, expertise and countless volunteer hours continue to make this publication possible. Your passion and dedication have produced a Journal that the Society can be incredibly proud of and one that fittingly celebrates 30 years of the Dorper and White Dorper breeds in Australia. 30 Anniversary Dorper Magazine th Thank you StockLive A sincere thank you to StockLive for your continued professionalism and support of the Dorper Sheep Society of Australia. Your live coverage of the Dubbo Show, 2026 Australian Sheep & Wool Show, and St George Multi-Vendor Sale has provided outstanding exposure for our members and the Dorper and White Dorper breeds. We are proud to be the only sheep breed society offering this level of live event coverage, and we greatly appreciate StockLive's ongoing commitment to helping showcase our industry. New Website Update Our new website is currently in full design and production mode. While the process has taken a little longer than anticipated, we are confident the finished product will be well worth the wait. We’re excited to bring our members a refreshed, informative and user-friendly online experience. Keep an eye on this space, the new website will be here before we know it! 2026 Future Breeders Award Presented to Cameron Rutherford & Michael Rutherford. In recognition of their enthusiasm and dedication to the breeds Well Done, your trophy is on its way! AWARDS
THANK YOU TO OUR REGIONAL COMMITTEES Regional Committees & Subcommittees We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our regional committees and subcommittees for their outstanding dedication and hard work in promoting the dorper breeds through various channels such as sales, shows, field days, and events. Your tireless efforts and commitment not only elevate the visibility and appreciation of the breeds but also strengthen our community and passion for what we do. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and professionalism you bring to every endeavor.ThankThank you!you!
WELCOME ABOARD! XytoVet Partnership
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