About Brocburn Dorpers

Stud principals Jim and Joanna Lyall established Brocburn Dorper Stud in 1999 with an embryo transfer programme, becoming the first Dorper stud in Tasmania and one of the first Dorper studs in Australia with stud number D037.

From that small step Jim and Jo have created a stud name that is recognised Australia-wide for the production of top quality Dorper genetics.

With their property situated in the North West of Tasmania, Brocburn sheep are run under open range conditions year round and subject to an annual 60ʺ (150cm) rainfall, with occasional winter snowfalls. Ewes must be able to raise a lamb unassisted to remain in the stud flock. 

Running pure South African genetics in a cold, high rainfall climate has meant selection for hardy, low maintenance breeding stock with particular emphasis on structural soundness and good feet.

New and improved genetics are regularly introduced into a portion of their flock through the use of artificial insemination, using frozen semen based on genetics from prominent South African studs.  This has enabled Brocburn Dorper stud to maintain their place as suppliers of some of the best Dorper genetics available, producing a hardy, easy-care sheep that will perform as well in Tasmania’s wet and cold climate as they do elsewhere in Australia.

As well as over a decade of knowledge through farming the breed, Jim has successfully completed junior and senior Dorper courses conducted by qualified South African inspectors and has made good use of this knowledge in selecting superior animals for use in the stud.