Banker-turned-farmer reveals how Dohne sheep underpin his farm’s year-round cash flow
It’s crops that buy farms but sheep that keep them operational according to southern NSW farmer Matt Mills.
And with 12 months under his belt after returning to the family operation near Balldale NSW, after studying at Marcus Oldham and following a career in banking, he’s bringing a financial lens to the mixed farming business. With wool prices lifting and meat returns on a several-year stellar run, it’s allowed the Dohnes to kick goals in terms of profit. Continue reading
Kardinia Dohne stud equals top price and lifts average at annual ram sale
Solid support from repeat buyers, along with several new clients, reflected continued demand for dual-purpose genetics at the Mills family’s 21st annual on-property Kardinia Dohne ram sale at Corowa on Thursday, September 17.
Of the 50 rams offered, 43 sold to an 86 per cent clearance, averaging $1860 and topping at $3800. The sale average was $160 higher than last year, with buyers coming from across NSW, as well as Victoria and Tasmania. Continue reading
2026 Newsletter
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. Continue reading
Kardinia Dohne is still optimistic after celebrating 20 years in the stud game
Kardinia Dohnes at Corowa celebrated their 20th on-farm annual ram sale on September 18 alongside some new faces and other commercial producers who have bought from the Mills family for their entire stud journey.
Of the 50 Dohne Merino rams on offer 42 sold to average $1700 and top at $3800.
Purchased by Richard Johnston, Esk Farm, Longford, Tasmania - a client of Kardinia's for the past 15 years - his new ram presented with estimated breeding values including top 10 per cent of the breed for yearling clean fleece weight. Continue reading
2025 Newsletter
Kardinia wool has been in high demand in a subdued global market attracting a premium price for our non mulesed RWS accredited wool. Sold through Fox and Lillie Corowa the European Fashion houses have fallen head over heels for 100% RWS natural wool. Continue reading
Quality, dual-purpose rams in demand in Kardinia Dohnes
Buyers chasing quality helped drive the average and top price up by more than $400 at the 19th annual Kardinia Dohne ram sale held at Corowa last Thursday.
Vendor Don Mills said they were happy to see rams sold to a wide spread to producers throughout north eastern Victoria, the south eastern Riverina, South West Slopes and Tablelands, and further afield to Tasmania. Continue reading
Wolf Pack looks to breed’s future
THE future of Dohne sheep is in good hands with the formation of the 'Wolf Pack', a group of young, motivated breeders committed to the development and growth of the breed in Australia.
An initiative of the Australian Dohne Breeders Association's National Council, Wolf Pack member and spokesperson Matthew Mills said the group was the voice of the next generation of Dohne breeders.
"The group also aims to provide young stud breeders with exposure to the policies and plans that are in place for the Dohne breed and hopefully encourage them to consider joining the National Council in the future." Continue reading
Kardinia Dohne ram sale tops at $3600 and $2165 average
KARDINIA Dohne stud principal Don Mills said he was very happy with the results of their on-property ram sale at Corowa on Thursday.
A total of 45 of 50 rams on offer were sold to a top of $3600 and a sale average of $2165. Continue reading
2022 Newsletter
Kardinia Dohne stud is proud to be 1 of 10 woolgrowers to supply Dohne wool to be used by A.BCH, bespoke knit fabric designer and manufacturer MTK Australia range. The Dohne wool was used within its A.34 thermal shirt range. The fibre was purchased by Fox and Lillie before being sent to Xin'ao in China to be processed and spun. Continue reading
Kardinia Dohnes rams sell to $4000 twice and average $2492
Long time clients of Kardinia Dohnes at Corowa bought to a top price of $4000 on Thursday for a well-balanced ram exhibiting excellent traits in his meat and wool. Continue reading
