The uncertainty caused by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the factors placing slight pressure on small stock transactions at auctions.
By Johan Norval
Andrew Jordaan of the Spekboomberg farm in Cradock, which hosted the family’s 20th Merino production auction on 5 February, says one of the key challenges related to FMD is that animals cannot easily be moved.
“There have been a few Merino stud auctions where the average ram prices were between R9 500 and R16 500, but this is influenced by supply and the region in which the auction is held.”
He says the small stock market is showing a favourable trend, with wool and meat prices strengthening compared to 2025. A negative factor, however, is that the export of mutton is currently limited.
In addition to regular supporters of the Spekboomberg herd from Cradock and the surrounding area, there was also strong interest this year from breeders in Lesotho and QwaQwa.
Tienie Smit from Klerkspan, Hopetown, bought the most expensive ram (155-924-2180) from Jordaan for R26 000. The offering of 59 rams sold at an average price of R9 186. Dormer rams achieved an average of R9 615, while three Suffolk rams sold at an average of R8 333.
Vleissentraal Port Elizabeth presented the auction, with André van Zyl serving as auctioneer.
Also read:
Graaff-Reinet ram auction well supported
Rain brings prosperity for national Afrino auction
Smokey sets buyers on fire at Collett Genetics auction
