BKB Cradock hosted a very successful production auction on behalf of Johann Sauer on his farm Droogfontein in the Jamestown district on 29 January. Excellent breeding material was offered and the rams clearly reflected the stud’s well-known, excellent conformation.

Gavin Isted

The Droogfontein Merino stud has enjoyed a strong reputation in the industry for years, especially for the consistent type and adaptability of animals under tough conditions.

Johann is very pleased with the results of the auction and especially with the average price of the rams, which increased by almost R2 000 per animal compared to the previous year.

Niel van Pletzen from Jamestown paid the highest price – R60 000 – for a ram. A total of 48 rams were offered and an average price of R12 792 was achieved.

Johann farms on one of the most difficult properties in the north-eastern Eastern Cape, where the farm’s name speaks for itself in terms of the challenging environment. The homestead at Droogfontein is 1 150 m above sea level, while the mountains rise to 1 780 m above sea level. The largest part of the farm consists of mixed grassland. However, in the mountain areas, especially on the southern slopes, more sour grass occurs, with a higher incidence of unpalatable grass species – a real test for any stud.

The stud was started in 1945 by his grandfather, Johannes Sauer. Johannes established the stud with 100 of his best flock ewes, which he personally selected, and rams were purchased at the time from Oscar Southey of Steynsburg. In 1969, Johann’s father, Hansie Sauer, took over the stud from his father. After Johannes retired to Jamestown, Hansie first rented the farm and stud from him before buying it in 1974.

Hansie passed away in December last year and his legacy lives on in a stud that continues to demonstrate sustainable quality, hardiness and genetic value.

JP Marais conducted the auction.

For more information about the host company, visit BKB.

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