Strong demand for South African Meat Merino ewes at recent auctions may indicate renewed confidence in the sheep industry.
By Johan Norval
Jan Vosloo, breed director of the South African Meat Merino Breeders’ Society, says improved product prices have contributed to a recovery in the sheep sector. He notes that the entire offering of ewes was sold at the 68th production auction of the Niekerksrust South African Meat Merino stud of Jan van Biljon near Viljoenskroon on 17 June, with demand for ewes stronger than in 2025.
“Slaughter lambs have recently sold for up to R116/kg, while store lambs achieved prices of up to R60/kg. Another positive factor for the sheep industry is the improvement in wool prices. South African Meat Merino wool with A-length has already achieved up to R250/kg,” he says. “Fluctuations in feed prices, particularly maize, have also enabled producers to finish lambs more cost-effectively.”
The highest-priced ram at the auction was Lot 18 (JVB 240191), which sold for R32 500 to Gerhard Hartman of Kroonstad. The 35 stud rams sold achieved an average price of R11 200.
Pregnant ewes averaged R4 300, while ewes with lambs at foot averaged R4 475.
BKB Kroonstad hosted the auction and Jan Mostert was the auctioneer.
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