Described as the epitome of the Dormer breed, Tokkelos from Gras Karoo Dormers lived up to the description, achieving a new breed record price of R520 000 at the Hatari Platinum auction.
By Fredalette Uys
DZ 23-0153 Tokkelos (lot 3) was sold to Suzé Steyl of the young Trinity Dormer stud in Bloemfontein.
Tokkelos is the epitome of the breed, said Jovaan Cloete, BKB auctioneer. “There is no perfect sheep, but this is the closest a ram can come to it.”
Steyn Steenekamp of Gras Karoo Dormers near Venterstad said it was an exceptional privilege to be part of this record-breaking event. He manages the stud with Abraham Steyn.
“To breed, use and ultimately offer a ram like Tokkelos at an auction where he achieved a new Dormer breed record of R520 000 is something special.”
Steyn said this achievement is about much more than just the price. “It is also a confirmation of years of selection, hard work and the trust that breeders place in good Dormer breeding material.”
Tokkelos has already proven himself in one of their studs and, according to Steenekamp, his offspring have impressed them.
“Tokkelos’ greatest attribute is his ability to consistently breed quality. He breeds exceptionally beautiful females, but at the same time also strong male rams with good meat qualities, correct conformation and functionality. He moves comfortably, carries meat in the right places and has proven to transmit his traits strongly to his offspring.
“Ultimately, for me, that’s what distinguishes a good stud ram – not just what he looks like, but what he leaves behind.”
The bigger picture, however, is the confidence that people have in the Dormer breed and its breeding stock.
“We believe the Dormer has a very strong future, and opportunities like this show what is possible when breeders work together and continually strive to take the breed into the future.”
The most expensive ewe from Hatari Farming, owned by Jan and Marius Eksteen of Bloemfontein, was sold for R45 000 to Duncan and Nathan Cairns of Yield Agri Investments in Bloemfontein.
Also read: Top ram achieving R21 000 at SA Mutton Merino auction in Frankfort
Above-average prices
The Hatari Platinum auction was presented by a group of Dormer breeders consisting of 2 Broers Dormers of Tjaart Steenekamp of Barkly East, Hatari Farming of Jan and Marius Eksteen of Bloemfontein, Gras Karoo Dormers of Steyn Steenekamp and Abraham Steyn of Venterstad, and Buffelsfontein Dormers of Pieter Jordaan of Somerset East. BKB Cradock presented the auction on the farm Content at Bainsvlei, with Jovaan Cloete as auctioneer.
A 100% sale rate was achieved in both the live and silent auctions, with total turnover of R6 348 500.
Cloete said good prices were achieved across the board, with all the animals selling for above-average prices.
Steenekamp said the overall quality and buyer support were excellent.
Both stud and commercial breeders supported the auction, and there was good demand for the entire offering, not just the top animals.
Also read: Highest price of R71 000 for Dohne Merino
Live auction averages
- 71 Dormer rams: R31 408
- 83 Dormer ewes: R16 789
- 283 commercial Dormer ewes: R4 737
- 10 Suffolk rams: R10 700
- 99 Suffolk ewes: R11 765
Silent auction averages
- 99 Dormer rams: R8 737
- 20 Dormer ewes: R10 050
Hard work behind success
The sellers have an exceptional relationship with their buyers, and the marketing for the auction was excellent, said Cloete. “The sellers know exactly what their buyers need and what they are looking for.”
Steenekamp added that the group of breeders is working together towards a common goal. The breeders and other stakeholders put a lot of effort into putting together a strong, balanced offering.
“There is an emphasis on the quality of the animals, good marketing, transparency around the breeding material and the performance of the animals, as well as an auction where both the stud breeder and the commercial farmer could find something of value.”
Animals were introduced through social media, videos, photos, catalogue information and personal contact with buyers, as the organisers believe buyers today want as much information as possible before making decisions.
He added that the people behind the auction are the biggest reason for its success. “It takes a team of breeders, staff, agents, buyers and supporters who all share a passion for the Dormer.”
He also thanked all the buyers and breeders who supported the auction.
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