Dadswells Bridge Farmer Reports Successful Lambing Season Amid Industry Concerns

Dadswells Bridge stud farmer Ellie McDonald reported an outstanding lambing season in August. She founded her own stud, Hopea Suffolk Stud in 2011, and Hopea White Suffolk Stud in 2013.

The 2026 lambing season saw an average growth of lambs from birth to weaning, with a significant increase in survivability rates for ewes and rams.

Ellie McDonald attributed the success to the early start and good mild weather during lambing. 'Everyone I've talked to has had one of their best years for lambing just because of the early start and the good mild weather,' she said.

The stud farmer highlighted concerns threatening productivity in the livestock industry, including potential no-mulesing regulations and wool sustainability issues.