By Salomé van den Berg
In the district of Reitz is a woman who literally and figuratively lives out the shepherding of Psalm 23. Sandra Retief, who has been farming with her family on the farm Voorspoed for 38 years, has established her name in the area as one of the most successful women farmers in the district.
Vleissentraal held the first official Dohne-Merino auction of Sandra and her husband, Chris, on April 15. It exceeded all expectations and achieved a 100% sale rate. The prices amazed experienced farmers like Danie Fourie.
Average prices were as follows: Lambs R2 053,50, pregnant ewes R2 822,90, ewes with lambs R3 200, ewes R1 701,23 and goats R1 325, goat lambs R700, Boer goat rams R1 200 and Boer goat ewes R900.
Two of the grandsons’ sheep also went under the hammer, because Grandpa and Grandma are instilling in them a love of farming and the sheep industry from a young age.
Ian Grobbelaar, auctioneer of Vleissentraal, is optimistic about the future of the sheep industry and says the prices are a clear indication of the upward curve in the industry. “It was a privilege to present this successful auction.”
The Retief auction is a telling example of how dedicated craftsmanship, family ties and a deep faith combine to ensure the extraordinary success achieved in the agricultural industry. The Retiefs are creating an impressive legacy for their future generations.
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