BKB Cradock hosted a very successful ram auction on 22 January on behalf of Sakkie and Joana van Heerden of Hoogstede Merinos in the Tarkastad district.

Gavin Isted

The auction, which offered excellent breeding material, attracted strong interest. The highest price was R36 000, paid for ram 7425 (lot 9). Hanmaree Vermaak purchased the ram on behalf of the Edcot Trust of East London, South Africa.

Tobie Lubbe of the Modderfontein Trust at Burgersdorp purchased ram 7439 (lot 6) for R35 000. The rams achieved an average price of R16 240, confirming the market’s confidence in Hoogstede breeding material.

According to Van Heerden, he is particularly proud of the Merino rams offered at this production auction. The emphasis remains on good conformation, round and thick bodies, strong heads and quality medium to fine wool, as well as a fertile herd that can perform in various production environments. The rams adapt well to most buyers and their circumstances.

The passion for Merinos runs deep in the Van Heerden family. With a father and grandfather who always had a love for their sheep, Sakkie senior decided to register the Hoogstede stud. Since then, a tradition of quality Merinos that has proven itself in practice has been built.

JP Marais acted as auctioneer.