TOP SIRE 2025–2026 VALE John Doak NSW SMBA wishes to acknowledge John Doak’s contribution to the Merino industry New England stud Merino breeder, John Doak of Emoh Ruo Merino stud, Bundarra, passed away on 17 July 2024, aged 75. The eldest son of Fred and Jean Doak of Boxmoor, Bundarra, John took up shearing and wool classing after finishing high school. His interest in wool was further developed by exhibiting fleeces in local agricultural shows and helping his father as a steward in the wool section at the Bundarra Show, before taking on the role himself. It was a tradition John carried on for around 40 years. John was a hard worker – shearing during the day, fox shooting at night and toiling on the property at the weekend. Away from work he enjoyed camping, fishing, shooting and playing rugby league. He married Annette in 1972 and they had three children – Emily, Matthew and Gina. In 1986, Emoh Ruo Merino stud was founded with a focus on breeding large-framed fine wool sheep that cut a lot of quality wool. “There’s nothing like the hands-on experience of shearing and classing to teach you which sheep will fill the bales,” John would say. “But it’s got to be good wool with plenty of length and character.” Over the course of 20 years, the stud enjoyed success at major shows in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Titles included Supreme Sheep at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 1995 and 2007, Stonehaven Cup 1999, Dubbo Supreme Exhibit 2002, Bendigo Lionel Weatherly Trophy 2004 and Canberra Royal Best Pair 2007, to name a few. The stud also picked up the award for best pen of three sale rams several times at the Armidale Ram Sale. John also took great pride in exhibiting fleeces, winning numerous Grand Champion Fleece prizes at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Royal Queensland Show, Bendigo Australian Fleece Competition, PIBA Australian Supreme Fleece Dubbo and Reserve Grand Champion at the International Fleece Competition at Christchurch, New Zealand. Many years spent in the shearing sheds gave John Doak a strong appreciation of wool as a fibre and a passion for breeding Merino sheep. Photo caption. John Doak holding his Supreme Champion exhibit at the 2007 Sydney Royal Easter Show. – 54 –
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