11 October 2023
By: Marisa Beeton
Jan van Biljoen of Niekerksrust outside Viljoenskroon in the Free State upheld his reputation as an SA Studbook breeder offering quality breeding material at his 63rd production auction.
“The quality of the rams was exceptionally high,” says Jan about the auction on October 4, when 50 rams were on offer.
Among these were three proven stud rams and six potential stud rams. Twenty young stud ewes (ready for ram) and 11 commercial ewes (ready for ram) were also offered for sale.
Ram 22-0100 JVB (lot 13) achieved the highest price at R29 500. He was sold to Kalkpan Farming from Bothaville. “This ram is an excellent breeding ram, one that we also use ourselves. He has good breeding values and is of a suitable age,” says Jan.
Jan holds two auctions per year during which he makes young rams available. This was his second auction of the year, with an average price of R11 400 for rams.
During his June auction, demand for female animals was strong. “We sold a lot of ewes in the first auction, including ewes with lambs and pregnant ewes. This time of the year it’s hot and dry, so the ewe market is quieter.”
He mentioned that the recent fires in the area also affected the demand for animals. Nevertheless, he was satisfied with what he sold.
The average price for stud ewes at the auction was R3 875. The sale was conducted by BKB Kroonstad, with Jan Mostert as the auctioneer.
