Councillors profile

Peter Conn: Peter runs a mixed farming enterprise comprising sheep, cattle, cereals and oilseeds. His introduction to Dohnes came after he was involved in a long term Agriculture Department trial looking at more profitable Merino wether marketing options. He first experienced the commercial gains of the Dohne after inseminating Merino ewes in an AI program and found they achieved the project aims far more easily than Merinos.  He trialed Dohne rams in his commercial sheep flock before deciding to start a stud.
Peter is very active in local community groups and was active on the Eastern States Committee, taking on a key role in coordinating the inaugural Southern Meats Hoof & Hook competition.  Since becoming a councilor he has accepted the task of updating and maintaining the Australian Dohne Breeders Association website.
He is strongly committed to the breed and with three children, two with aspirations of pursuing a career in agriculture, he is keen to ensure the next generation has a profitable Merino.


David Kain: David has operated the Far Valley Dohne Stud in WA since it’s inception in 1999, after a long interest in breeding animals for wool and meat since he was 12 years old. He has spent 32 years involved with the use of EBV’s and the implementation of them in the field through past involvement with the pig industry and now the Dohnes. In 2000, David was the main driving force behind the establishment of the first WA committee and served as the chairman for the ensuing 4 years, and then as a committee member. In 2006 David also assisted South Australian members establish the first SA Committee. David brings with him a vast amount of knowledge of sound business practices, a lifetime of experience in breeding and a passion for the Dohne breed, as well as the conviction for the system that has helped the Dohne become what it is today. David intends to be available for all member concerns and ideas, and to promote the Dohne breed at all possible opportunities.  

Steven Abbott: Steve is owner of the Capercup Dohne Stud. He attended Scotch College in 1977 till 1979, then attended two years at Narrogin Agricultural College. Steve has worked on the family farm since his college days, and been involved in the shearing industry as both a shearer and wool classer. Steve became extremely interested in the dohne breed after travelling to South Africa in 2005, and would like to see the breed developed to its full potential.

Brian Calderwood:

Richard Beggs:

Erik Ashby: