Buyers showed strong support when BKB hosted the Mooihoek Merino stud’s production auction on 17 February on the Swanepoels’ farm in the Smithfield district. Adam, Thian and Theron Swanepoel presented a selection of quality breeding material, with JP Marais serving as auctioneer.
By Gavin Isted
Auction averages:
Two-tooth ewes: R2 657,22
Four–eight-tooth ewes: R2 252,55
Four–eight-tooth pregnant ewes (single lambs): R3 125,00
Four–eight-tooth pregnant ewes (twin lambs): R3 050,00
Aged ewes: R1 950,00
Rams: R9 018,52
The most expensive ram was sold for R30 000 to the Modderfontein Trust at Burgersdorp. The auction achieved a 100% sale.
A stud with a deep heritage
Mooihoek Merinos is a relatively young registered stud, but is built on five generations of family farming. The enterprise consists of Adam and his two sons, Thian and Theron, each managing their own division.
The stud was established to breed hardy, profitable Merinos that perform under commercial conditions. Over the years, strict selection has been applied to fertility, wool quality and growth, ensuring a reliable genetic base.
What makes Mooihoek unique?
High selection pressure under natural, extensive conditions forms the foundation. No “passengers” are accepted.
The focus is on practical, production-driven Merinos with:
- High fertility and good maternal qualities
- Strong adaptability under veld conditions
- Good growth and weaning percentage
- Medium, quality wool with good length and style
- Strong, functional conformation and sound legs
Balance remains the key – animals that not only look good, but can deliver profit.
Preparation for the auction
Animals are raised in natural veld conditions from a young age and are strictly selected according to functionality, condition and production. Rams complete a rigorous extensive performance test, after which performance data and wool results are submitted to SA Stud Book, where processed data is used as an aid in selection.
Furthermore, the animals are classified by a BKB sheep and wool official and receive a conformation, wool and condition score. The auction rams are not stall-fed, but are raised extensively on the veld and prepared for auction four weeks beforehand.
Before the auction, they are:
- Dewormed and vaccinated according to a fixed programme
- Subjected to strict selection so that only the best animals are offered
Consistent quality
The flock has been developed over many years through continuous selection and genetic improvement. Each year, deliberate progress is made in improving fertility, wool and adaptability.
The Swanepoels expressed their gratitude for the support of buyers and the trust placed in Mooihoek genetics. Their focus remains on consistently offering quality animals that provide value for money and build long-term relationships.
Each group has its own story, but there is particular pride in animals from dams that produce consistently year after year. Some rams originate from proven ewes that have produced several top-performing offspring – a testament to the depth and reliability of Mooihoek genetics
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