National Merino ram auction
The national Merino ram auction was held at Grootfontein Agricultural College on Friday, 14 August. Eleven breeders sold 59 rams at the exceptionally high average of R24 627, an increase of 50% on the previous year!
Groep3 (Graaff-Reinet) sold the top price ram for R150 000 to a group of five breeders from the Southern and Western Cape, Uysie Willemse and Sinon de Jager (Heidelberg), Johann Kotze and Jan de Villiers (Moorreesburg) and Artho Saayman (Riversdal).
The second highest price of R110 000 was paid for a ram of Trumps Merino stud (Hanover) which Johan and Dirkie van As (Swellendam) bought. Wellwood Merinos of Graaff-Reinet sold their highest price ram to Jan en Koos van Niekerk (Amersfoord) and Wicus Cloete (Ermelo). This stud achieved an average of R48 400 for their ten rams on offer.
Kobus Louw (BKB Swellendam), Jaco Potgieter (seller), Sinon de Jager and Uysie Willemse (buyers, Heidelberg Suid-Kaap), Theo Potgieter (seller, Graaff-Reinet) and Steven Bosman (handler). R150 000. Other buyers (not on photo)
Kobus Louw (BKB Swellendam), Dirkie and Johan van As (buyers, Swellendam), Jan en Andries Pienaar (sellers, Hanover). R110 000.
Robert Rubidge (seller, Graaff-Reinet), Jan and Koos van Niekerk (buyers, Amersfoord) and Deon Simons (handler). R88 000. Buyer Wicus Cloete (Ermelo) not on photo.