By Salomé van den Berg
The Free State Genetics Ilde de France Group held its fifth production auction at the Frankfort Auction Centre on 5 July, where the high prices and 100% sale rate clearly spoke of the quality of the breeding material.
The group, which was founded in 2020 by Henning van Tonder, Bossie Clarke and Willie Oosthuizen, held its first auction in July 2021. The group has since shown continuous growth and established itself as a leading force in the improvement of Ile de France breeding material in South Africa.
The group originated from a collaborative initiative between stud farmers in the Free State, who are committed to the genetic advancement of the breed in terms of fertility, growth and carcass quality. Breeders such as the Henlin Stud at Reitz (Van Tonder), the Rossville Stud at Vryburg (Oosthuizen), the Pinnacle Stud at Ladybrand (Howard and Nicolene Hobson), the Donkerberg Stud at Reitz (Jason Davel) and the Denvor Stud at Stanford (S.D. and T.A. Clarke) use advanced techniques such as laparoscopic insemination, rigorous selection and performance testing to refine their breeding strategies.
The most expensive ram at the auction was DTC 230034 from the Denvor Stud, which sold for R57 500 to Michael Campher’s BSI Meat Corp at Alberton. The Pinnacle Stud sold the most expensive female animal, an ewe with a lamb, for R57 500 to Lennon Nkosi’s Prodipix 212 in Kabokweni in Mpumalanga. The auction results speak volumes about the quality on offer.
Average prices were as follows:
• Pregnant ewes with lambs: R47 000
• Lambs: R3 183,33
• Pregnant ewes: R11 300
• Ewes with lambs: R22 250
• Rams: R14 166,67
• Ewes: R9 781,25
• Commercial pregnant ewes: R5 622,81
Support for young breeders
One of the highlights of the auction was the warm community spirit that prevailed. Sellers actively supported young emerging breeders, such as Janneman Bezuidenhout, to get their foot in the door of this industry – a testament to the group’s commitment to the development of the broader sheep industry.
Van Tonder expressed his gratitude to all buyers and shared his excitement about the auction that continues to grow annually. “The IDF group is very pleased with the outcome of this auction.”
Ian Grobbelaar, auctioneer of Vleissentraal, encouraged the buyers with these words: “To be the best, you have to have the best, and this auction is the place to be to make your purchases.” He pointed out that these are truly beautiful animals that perform excellently.
Michael Campher, one of the buyers, shared this sentiment: “The purchase of these animals is just an asset. The animals can adapt to anyone and only strengthen your stud.”
