16 August 2023
By: Fredalette Uys
Despite a top price of R250,000 for a ram sold at the national Merino auction, this year’s sale in Graaff-Reinet “was not easy”.
The ram, Monster, from Jacques and Andries Pienaar’s Mega Merino in Colesberg, was sold to a group of Lesotho producers.
Another two Mega Merino rams were sold for R110,000 and R100,000, while a fourth animal was sold for R70,000.
Three of the Mega Merino rams were sold to Lesotho breeders, with the fourth going to Trumps Merino in Hanover.
Other notable prices were paid for a Trumps Merino ram owned by Andries Pienaar which fetched R100,000, and a Groep3 Merino ram owned by Theo and Jaco Potgieter from Graaff-Reinet, which fetched R90,000.
The 67 rams at the auction were sold for an average price of R37,692.
Danie Strauss, the auctioneer who managed the sale for BKB, says it was not an easy auction, even though the highest price was good.
According to Strauss, there was no bidding for 10 rams, or the bids were lower than the reserve price.
“I would like to see domestic Merino breeders support the auction more in terms of purchasing power, in order to come and acquire a stud ram at the auction,” he says.
According to Strauss, 80% of the wool on the rams is of the best quality in South Africa, and the rams have excellent conformation. “If you have that combination, then you are on the right track.”
He says there was an optimistic spirit and a festive atmosphere at the auction. It was enjoyable to see everyone come together again. They talked about farming, and no one is talking about Covid any more.
