GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - At the Normandy Dohne Stud’s annual Production Sale held at Grassdale on Tuesday, 6 February, there was a 100% clearance of 62 rams and 251 ewes.
The rams sold at an average price of R10 358 - they were of an even type: well structured, with meaty carcasses, and well-defined even-crimping wool.
The top-ten ram prices were as follows:
- R21 000 to NWP Scott, Tarkastad.
- R18 500 to K.P. Miles and Son, Dordrecht.
- R18 000 to Lesfontein Boerdery, Hofmeyr.
- R18 000 to Stern Family Trust, Graaff-Reinet.
- R17 750 to Kotze Vaalvlei Boerdery, Morreesburg.
- R16 000 to the same buyer.
- R15 500 to Hathersage Farms, Middelburg.
- R15 250 to Waterfall Farming, Stutterheim.
- R15 000 to Carl Miles, Dordrecht.
- R15 000 to Stern Family Trust, Graaff-Reinet.
The ewes, inclusive of some offered by guest seller De Nek Lots, all changed hands at an average of R2 133.
Apart from a large contingent of local buyers, sheep also went to Addo, Ceres, Fish River, Grahamstown, Humansdorp, Middelburg, Smithfield, Somerset East, Springfontein and Steytlerville.
Return buyers spoke of the improving value of lamb progeny being produced.
These sheep mature earlier and deliver higher meat yields [slaughter %].
This has come about from the consistent use of the Falkirk Index System of animal selection.
The Normandy Dohne Stud was the pioneer of using this system in South Africa.
Brandon Lear (auctioneer) and Paul Hobson with Lot 53 sold for R18 000 to Lesfontein Boerdery
Ultra-sound scanning of the live animal is done and then combined with astute hand-eye selection. [Ian Walsh, New Zealand].
The Grassdale wool clip is highly valued, with the entire flock and stud’s maiden ewes having undergone fleece-analysis prior to selection each year for over 40 years.
The sale was held in perfect conditions in the beautiful Grassdale garden.
Refreshments and snacks were provided throughout, culminating in a full lunch provided by Liz Stern.
The de la Harpe’s thanked the buyers and visitors for their attendance and purchases.
There are always choices to make.
Particularly Hobson and Co were mentioned for having brought enthusiasm and innovation into the sale.
Auctioneer Brandon Lear did an outstanding job.
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