Don McKinnon's 70 years of 'passion' celebrated by Poll Dorset community

One of the most influential and loved Poll Dorset breeders in Australia has been acknowledged with lifetime membership of the Australian Poll Dorset Association.

Derby Downs Poll Dorset co-founder Don McKinnon, Marong, received the award at the Australasian Dorset Championships in Bendigo on Sunday.

The industry stalwart was congratulated by sheep breeders the length and breadth of the state, and further afield.

Mr McKinnon first set up Derby Downs in 1956 alongside brother Rowland and the stud will celebrate 70 years of operation next year.

The brothers started breeding Poll Dorsets in 1960 and eventually focused on the hornless sheep, in line with demand.

Now, nephew Lachie Bailey runs the stud, ensuring its continued success for 70 years to come.

However, Don, 88, and Rowland, 90, are still very much part of the operation, working hard despite their age.

When interviewed by Stock & Land on Tuesday, the duo were busy erecting temporary yards in some paddocks, ahead of some Merino lambs arriving on Wednesday.

Don, a lifelong reader of this paper, had a cold the past week and nearly missed his life membership award introductions on Sunday.

"It took me by surprise," he laughed.

Former Australian Poll Dorset Association president and Shellal Poll Dorset stud principal Tania King, Hawkesdale, said while this was typical of Don, he totally deserved the award.

"He's never looking for that pat on the back," she said.

Ms King described Don as an "excellent ambassador" for the breed, who was "very well-respected" by all.

She said he was a kind and good-hearted person who offered a helping hand at every opportunity despite his many years.

"You can't slow him down," she said.

"He's getting up in age, but he's still always there to lend a hand."

Ms King said she had known Don since she was in nappies herself, and his lifetime membership was "probably well overdue".

She said he was excellent at supporting and guiding up-and-coming and young Poll Dorset breeders, and sheep people from all breeds, bringing on the next generation.

"He loves the Poll Dorset breed and he's passionate about what he does," she said.

Don was a founding member of the Central Victorian region of the Australian Poll Dorset Association.

In 2000, he was one of the key people who helped drive the commencement of the Australian Sheep & Wool Show at Bendigo.

In 2007, he was also involved in the breed's movement away from the Melbourne Royal Show to the premier event, the Australasian Dorset Championships, held in Bendigo this past weekend.

However, he still also exhibits his own sheep at the Melbourne Royal Show, following tradition.

Don was also one of the early supporters of Sheepvention in Hamilton and the Victorian Sheep Show in Ballarat.

He said he had made many long-term friends through the sheep over the years.

"It's not just the sheep breeding, it's also the wider industry, the camaraderie and judging at the shows," he said.

"It's all mixed together to make a community.

"You get the friendships and fellowships between breeders."

Don said he was "very fortunate" to still be able to do things he loves, working with his sheep, and staying in touch with the industry.

He said this industry had changed so much in his 70 years in the game.

"There's been massive changes," he said.

"I think the main thing is the size of the animals these days.

"I think that's applicable for most breeds."

Don said in the 1960s, when a sheep won a ribbon, he'd have to get down on his knees to hold them properly for the photographs.

"Now you stand up and the sheep's head is up at your waist," he said.

He said there'd been many ups and downs for sheep farmers through the decades, and one of his lifetime frustrations was the prices they were paid.

"Most times, whether you're ordinary farmers or stud breeders, the most frustrating thing is not being able to control your own markets," he said.

"That's always been one of my disappointments."

Don said there were too many people to thank amongst all those who had influenced and supported him and his family.

He said the South Australian Poll Dorset studs were very influential in the early days and provided great genetics for Victorian breeders.

Ms King said Don's contribution could not be summed up in words and hoped he'd be around for many more sheep shows and years to come.