The transition of the national Dohne Merino sale to a day-sale – 11H00 in the morning exceeded expectations. Not only were more rams sold (52), but also at a higher average record price of R40,865. Congratulations to the total of no less than 16 breeders who sold their top rams on the sale! Everyone of them is a winner in own right!
It remains the aim of the breed society to stage a National sale that is truly representative of the entire breed’s genetic material. We still experience that animals are bought on mainly visual excellence rather than genetic merit. It is trusted that our scientifically orientated breeders and clients alike, will in future pay more attention to genetic excellence.
The sale was marked by the availability of more rams of exceptional “stud sire” quality. The seven most expensive rams on the sale were sold at prices of R100,000 or more (average R132,857). Congratulations to Mr Wynand du Toit, Suidplaas Dohnes (our National Top Breeder) and Mr Boeta Wessels, Weska Dohnes who both attained the highest price of R180,000 for a single ram sold. It is clear from this result, that Dohne Merino stud breeders are putting their faith in the breed during real tough times for South African farmers. Results for individual breeders are presented in Table 1:
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Photo L/R: Zeiss Jordaan (Buyer, Sneeuberg Dohnes), Henri du Plessis (Buyer, Kareedouw), Cecil van der Merwe (Buyer, Barkly East), Stephan du Plessis (buyer, Kareedouw), Mr. L Nel (buyer, Nello Dohnes, absent), Mr. JH (Boeta) Wessels (Seller, holding his ram sold at the top price of R180 000)
PhotoL/R: Mr. Jan Olivier (BKB), Mr. Dreyer van Niekerk (Buyer, Lemoenkop Farms), Mr. John Morris (Buyer, Univ Stellenbosch), Mr. Stephan van der Westhuysen (Senior advisor, OVK); Front Mr. W Bekker (Buyer, All-in-one Dohnes) and Mr Wynand du Toit (Seller of his ram at the top price of R180 000)
Photo of the 5 rams sold by Mr JH Wessels (Weska Dohnes, Bredasdorp) for prices of R180 000, R 130 000, R 120 000, R 70 000 and R32 000 respectively (Average R106 400).
Photo L/R: Buyers – G Aggenbach, Stephen Mouton, Marcellene van Rooyen, Isak Smit, Koenas van der Westhuysen, Mr. Marè, Danie Thomas, Zeiss Jordaan, Henri du Plessis, Stephan du Plessis; Front Mr. JH (Boeta) Wessels (seller).