5 September 2023
By: Fredalette Uys
A Dorper ram has been sold for a new Namibian record price of N$250 000.
A Dorper ram from Philip Strauss of Strauss Dorpers in Karasburg was sold for a new Namibian record price of N$250 000 during the Stampriet Show’s ram auction.
Two more Strauss rams were sold for N$150 000 and N$100 000, reports Agriforum, and a Dorper ram from Danie Visser Genetics fetched N$100 000.
Strauss says it was the “best package of rams I have ever presented at an auction”, adding that the special features of the record ram – bought by Jan du Toit and his son, Janry – are its good functionality, body length and masculinity.
The N$150 000 ram was the father of the ram sold at a record price and is currently the Namibian grand champion ram. The N$100 000 ram is his half-brother and currently the Namibian junior champion.
At the ewe auction the previous day, Strauss also sold the most expensive Dorper ewe for N$23 000 to Nico and Diana Binneman.
“The Dorper industry in Namibia is currently very healthy. The demand for good rams remains constant, and it was clear on Friday as you continuously take note of the prices paid for Type-5 rams at the auction,” he says
There is a large market for Dorpers in neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Zambia. “This is all very favorable for our industry. Even though we have had little rain in Namibia, farmers believe in the breed and are optimistic for the upcoming season,” says Strauss.
According to Agriforum, Strauss improved his own previous record price of R200 000 for a Dorper ram, which was paid at the International Dorper Auction in Upington in 2000.
The average price for the top 27 Dorper rams offered was N$47 037. The three most expensive rams were all purchased by Namibians.
Various rams of breeds such as the Meatmaster, Dorper, Boer Goat, White Dorper, Van Rooy, Damara and Persian were sold at the auction, presented by Namibia Livestock Auctioneers, with Deon Klopper as the auctioneer.
Outstanding prices included that of a Meatmaster ram from Lekwater, which sold for N$100 000, and three Boer goat rams from Dirk Louw of Conradie Genetics, which were sold for N$140 000, N$130 000 and N$130 000. A White Dorper ram from Samehaling sold for N$70 000.
