Good demand for the top rams at this year’s annual Weska Dohne Merino production auction contributed to a significant improvement in the average ram price.
A 100% sale rate was achieved at this auction of Boeta and Jurie Wessels, with all 83 rams sold for an average price of R18 169. According to Wessels, the average price for his rams was approximately R2 500 higher than last year. He attributes the improved prices to the current strong wool and meat prices, although dry conditions are threatening the planted grain.
BKB auctioneer Len Bornman described the auction as exceptional.
Lot 50 fetched the highest price of R71 000 and was bought by the Jireh Trust of Edenburg in the Free State.
According to Wessels, the top ram was sought after for its overall merit. It has good wool length, a predicted breeding value of -1.9 for fibre diameter (FD), and good production figures. The ram was bred from one of the top rams on Dohne Merino SA’s young sire list.
Wessels says the auction was excellent, with a good supply of rams and strong demand for the quality animals on offer. Buyers from across the Western Cape, as well as other parts of the country, including the Free State, participated in the auction.
Wessels’ goal is to breed more profitable animals by placing emphasis on good-quality wool, conformation and fertility.
The auction was hosted by BKB Humansdorp on Wessels’ farm, Karsrivier, near Bredasdorp, on 31 July, with Bornman as auctioneer.
Also read:
Entire offer sold at Merino Landsheep Society national auction
R29 000 for Dohne Merino ram at Elsenburg milestone auction
Good average prices paid at Hilltop SA Mutton Merino auction
