Enthusiastic bidding from the present buyers and on the SwiftVEE platform was an indication of the demand for quality Dormers at the annual production auction of Gras Karoo Dormers from the farm Venterskraal, Venterstad district, on 18 February 2026.
By Johan Norval
Auctioneer Jovaan Cloete can also record the 100% clearance rate of all 201 sheep sold.
The Gras Karoo sellers’ group includes the studs of Abraham Steyn, two brothers, Tjaart and Steyn Steenekamp of Lower Orpendale, Barkly East, as well as guest seller Hatari Dormers from Marius and Jan Eksteen of Bloemfontein.
The Eksteens, who have gained prominence over the past few years by purchasing some of the country’s best Dormer breeding material, achieved the highest price for a ram at the auction. Ram HE 240220 was sold for R90 000 to Cherone Pedro of the Goedverwagting stud near Calitzdorp. Pedro purchased several of the Steyns’ genetics for his Dormer stud.
The 31 stud rams achieved an average of R15 903, compared with the 10 commercial rams, which averaged R8 650.
The average price of the 35 stud ewes was R5 864, the 101 commercial ewes (two-tooth to full-mouth) R3 054, and commercial ewe lambs R2 500.
The auction was conducted by BKB Cradock.
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