Despite challenging conditions due to foot-and-mouth disease, the annual auction of Heilbron Bonsmaras and the Louise Dohne Merino stud on 17 February in Heilbron was exceptionally well supported. These studs belong to father and son Danie and Tsaats Hattingh of Wesdam Boerdery near Heilbron.
By Salomé van den Berg
Despite challenging conditions due to foot-and-mouth disease, the annual auction of Heilbron Bonsmaras and the Louise Dohne Merino stud on 17 February in Heilbron was exceptionally well supported. These studs belong to father and son Danie and Tsaats Hattingh of Wesdam Boerdery near Heilbron.
The sellers, together with the team from BKB, ensured that the auction proceeded smoothly.
PJ de Wet of Reitz bought the most expensive ram for R8 000 and remarked that foot-and-mouth disease would not prevent him from acquiring rams of this quality.
The average prices were as follows:
Bonsmara:
- Cows with calves – R21 000
- Pregnant cows – R19 200
- Pregnant heifers – R19 900
- Open heifers – R17 200
- Bull calves – R45,58/kg
- Calves – R38,67/kg
Louise Dohne Merino:
- Rams – R8 000
- Store lambs – R56,42/kg
Reputation built over years
According to Daan Hattingh, the focus is on breeding Dohne Merinos for both wool and meat production.
The stud is built on rigorous selection, performance recording and a commitment to breed standards as prescribed by the Dohne Merino Breeders’ Society of South Africa. Over the years, top breeding material has been utilised to continuously improve the herd and to produce animals that add economic value to commercial producers.
The Louise Dohne Merino stud has established a reputation for quality rams and ewes, adaptability and hardiness, strong fertility and maternal traits, as well as the production of high-quality fine wool.
With a strong emphasis on customer service and long-term relationships, the stud has developed a loyal buyer base.
JD Steyn, marketer at BKB, said foot-and-mouth disease is placing significant pressure on producers, marketers and the entire value chain.
He emphasised that BKB is doing everything possible to comply strictly with regulations and directives to ensure that livestock trading continues in a responsible and lawful manner. The focus remains on maintaining biosecurity and sustaining the industry as far as possible.
BKB Frankfort hosted the auction, with Jan Mostert as auctioneer.
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