2026 Newsletter
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When “Dual Purpose” is simply not enough
Kardinia Dohne Stud has built its reputation on a simple principle: when dual purpose sheep are no longer enough, Dohnes step up. At Don and Karen Mills’ Corowa property, Dohnes are proving their value every season, delivering premium wool and high-performing lambs in a market that increasingly rewards both.
The global rise in demand for 19-micron wool has placed Kardinia’s clip in a strong position, especially as buyers prioritise non-mulesed, Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) accredited fibre. The textile industry has made its expectations clear: they want ethically produced wool. Kardinia made the transition more than 20 years ago, refining their breeding program with sires selected for cutting high-quality wool while consistently meeting market specifications. That long-term discipline is now paying dividends.
Equally impressive is the Dohne ewe herself. Renowned for her ability to maintain condition in tough seasons, she is fertile, resilient, and an exceptional mother, consistently raising multiple lambs with minimal intervention.
In a domestic and international lamb market experiencing sustained demand, Kardinia’s focus on producing lambs that meet premium specifications ensures their product stands out. A key part of this success comes from their involvement with Gundagai Meat, where cutting-edge GLQ technology measures Lean Meat Yield, Intramuscular Fat and overall animal health. This data-driven approach is reshaping lamb production, proving that higher lean meat yield and better eating quality can go hand in hand. For the Mills, it means lambs that are healthier, more efficient, and more profitable.
Kardinia Dohnes offer a balanced, future-focused package: premium wool, exceptional maternal traits, and lambs bred for a market that values quality and sustainability. For any producer looking to strengthen both sides of their enterprise, Dohnes aren’t just an option, they’re an advantage. Hamilton Spectator (Sheepvention liftout 2026)
Kardinia’s Wether Lambs Shine in Gundagai Meats’ GLQ Program
Kardinia continues to consign commercial wether lambs to Gundagai Meat Processors, with three deliveries completed so far this year. All consignments have performed exceptionally well, achieving near-total grid compliance for both carcase weight and fat score.
Across the three drafts, almost 100% of lambs graded in fat score 3 and 4, demonstrating excellent finish and consistency. Their performance on Lean Meat Yield (LMY) has also been outstanding, ranking in the top 80%, 85%, and 90% against all lamb consignments processed at Gundagai over the past two years. Equally impressive was the strong result for Intra-Muscular Fat (IMF), highlighting the balanced eating quality profile of Kardinia lambs.
These results align strongly with the objectives of Gundagai Meats’ GLQ (Gundagai Lamb Quality) programme, which rewards producers for delivering lambs that meet premium eating-quality specifications. The GLQ system uses objective measurement technologies including DEXA for LMY and MEQ for IMF, to identify lambs that achieve superior tenderness, juiciness, and yield. Lambs that meet GLQ criteria receive a bonus of 80 cents per kilo, providing a significant financial uplift for high-performing consignments.
As each consignment was delivered at slightly older ages, the increasing proportion of lambs achieving full GLQ grid compliance and therefore qualifying for the bonus has truly become the cream on the cake for Kardinia’s 2026 marketing programme.
RWS Certification Reinforces Kardinia’s Long-Term Sustainability Vision
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a globally recognised certification that ensures wool is produced with the highest standards of animal welfare, land stewardship, and supply-chain transparency. RWS accreditation guarantees that sheep are treated ethically, that farms actively protect and regenerate their land, and that every stage of production from farm to finished garment is fully traceable. For brands and consumers increasingly seeking proof of sustainability rather than promises, RWS provides the assurance that the wool they purchase meets rigorous international benchmarks.
For Kardinia, RWS accreditation is an important commitment to both our values and our future. It reinforces our reputation as a producer of premium, ethically sourced wool and aligns us with the expectations of modern markets that demand verified sustainability. RWS also strengthens our connection with high-end processors and global textile brands who prioritise certified fibre, ensuring Kardinia wool remains competitive and desirable. Ultimately, RWS accreditation reflects who we are: responsible custodians of our land, our livestock, and the quality legacy we continue to build.
