Dorperland’s club auction in Upington performed well despite the ongoing restrictions associated with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the fact that it was the third consecutive Dorper auction held in the area.
By Johan Norval
The club secretary, Madalene Buys, says only quality animals were presented at their production auction on 26 March, with entries from seven stud breeders and three guest sellers. In addition to the Dorper offering, Jaco van Rensburg presented Van Rooy sheep and Boer goats, Adri Hudson presented Persian sheep and Henk Kearney offered Meatmaster sheep. Johan Maritz Jnr presented White Dorpers.
The most expensive Dorper ram, from Ian Maritz of Middelerf, Kenhardt, was sold for R25 000 to S.M. Young.
The average ram prices were as follows:
Dorper:
- Type 5 – R12 066
- Stud – R8 607
- Commercial – R8 833
White Dorper:
- Type 5 – R13 000
- Stud – R9 000
- Commercial – R11 625
Van Rooy:
- Type 5 – R8 500
- Stud – R6 000
- Commercial – R7 750
Persian stud rams achieved R5 000, Meatmaster stud rams R7 571, and a Boer goat commercial ram R14 000.
According to Buys, rural areas are experiencing the adverse effects of foot-and-mouth disease, as was evident at the Beaufort West show held from 26–28 March.
“The significantly lower visitor numbers at the show were due to the absence of small stock exhibitions. Some of the entertainment was also cancelled, and stallholders earned less over the three days.”
Dorperland’s second club auction of the year will be held at the end of October in conjunction with the Loeriesfontein regional show.
Vleissentraal hosted the auction and Chris Hendriks served as auctioneer.
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