LambEx 2026: Meet Catherine House

Posted on June 17, 2026

Catherine House

Kojonup sheep producer Catherine House is focused on building a resilient and progressive sheep enterprise, with a strong emphasis on genetics, feed efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Based at the family operation, Dorrington Farms in Muradup, Catherine manages the entire sheep enterprise. Her role includes overseeing animal health, feeding programs, pasture and confinement systems, contractor coordination, and marketing decisions. Managing seasonality is a key priority, with careful stock movement used to maintain productivity and welfare outcomes year-round.

A central focus for Catherine is the continuous improvement of flock genetics. Running both maternal and terminal composite breeding programs, the business collects and analyses data each year, including eye muscle scans, weaning and post-weaning weights, and wool micron. This information is used to rank and select top-performing animals for retention, as well as to meet client demand for high-quality breeding stock. The long-term goal is to continue improving fertility, lambing ease, carcass quality, and wool performance across the flock.

Dorrington Farms was recently announced as a successful recipient of support through the WA Supply Chain Capacity Program. Catherine plans to use this funding to design and operate a new lamb finishing feedlot, improving efficiency and enabling the business to respond more effectively to changing seasonal and market conditions.

Catherine has also worked with the Southern Dirt grower group on a two-year out-of-season feed supply trial using lupin fodder for prime lamb finishing. The results were shared at a local workshop, reflecting her commitment to practical research and knowledge sharing.

Having already looked at the Lambex 2026 program, Catherine is eager to learn from leading producers and researchers on lamb finishing systems, feedlot design, future genetic priorities, and emerging market opportunities.

Most importantly, Catherine is focused on bringing new ideas home—implementing improvements within the business while sharing insights with the wider WA sheep industry.