THE past year has proved challenging across some parts of Australia, while in others it was very good.  Our thoughts are with our members and fellow Dorper breeders who are still experiencing a lack of rainfall.

The DSSA continues to improve and increase the development and awareness of the Dorper breed, always taking the approach of inclusiveness to encourage new and in particular, young members.

The National Show was again another success, showcasing the best of the breed in Queensland, with the region hosting this year’s event in Toowoomba. Following the decision made by the board several years ago, the event has rotated around the regions maximising exposure of the Dorper breeds and offering those from a range of locations a chance to attend the prestigious event. From 2020, the National Show will be held in Dubbo in conjunction with the National Sale for two years. The board will be finalising the venue of the future National events in the coming months. In the meantime, I do encourage members to give feedback to the board or their board representatives on this topic before plans are finalised.

The board is always looking for new projects and ways to improve the breed and financial outcomes for our members. The board is currently putting time and effort into exploring skins and skin prices. The board is also exploring other potential projects such as feed conversion and hardiness trials.

Innovation is something the board continues to promote and implement. This year the annual magazine has gone to an electronic format. This has saved the DSSA considerable money and presents a more useable, environmentally friendly, quality product.  I encourage members to support this and those of you on social media to share the link to the digital magazine. I thank Executive Officer, Sara Winn, who has spent a lot of time and effort on this production and has done an awesome job.

Prime Dorper Lamb has been a major project for the board during the past three years. A partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia and Langano Business Strategists has led to a platform which will be trialled at the end of the year. It will allow direct communication between producers and end users. The DSSA has facilitated this project and it will be the envy of any other breed society in Australia. A lot has been learnt, all for the better for the DSSA and the Dorper breed. The DSSA will receive a royalty for any Dorpers going through the platform so we encourage you to support the project.

Finally, the board continues to look at ways it can function better. However, this is challenging when representation on the board at times is lacking. I encourage members from all regions to consider becoming involved in the DSSA and in particular putting their hands up to sit a term on the national board. If you are keen to be involved with the DSSA board and require more information please do not hesitate to contact myself or the office.

Thank you to Sara for your tireless work and the board members and regional committees for their time, effort and support.

I wish everyone a prosperous finish to 2019.

Article from the 2019 DSSA Magazine. Click here to read.