A Suffolk ram carrying New Zealand genetics made R140 000 at South Africa’s National Suffolk Auction, as breeders competed for material to develop the country’s relatively small Suffolk population.
The sale took place on 3 October at Geelklip, Middelwater, near Bloemfontein, with 84 lots presented by established breeders. Lot 3, identified as WAT 68021, was consigned by Gert and RC Malherbe’s Gersuré Suffolks of Hertzogville and became the highest-priced ram of the day. Charles and Abrie Cronjé of CAB and CCC Suffolks, based in the Vrede district, secured the animal.
Interest in new breeding material
The ram was the only animal at the auction described as having New Zealand genetics. Its breeding background, together with its recorded indices, made it attractive to stud breeders seeking to introduce additional genetic material into their flocks. RC Malherbe said the genetics had contributed to the interest shown in the ram and welcomed the prices achieved at the event.
“Breeders are looking for new breeding material to further improve their flocks,” said BKB auctioneer Jovaan Cloete.
Cloete said the auction had drawn good interest and produced strong prices. The demand reflects the position Suffolk breeders continue to give the breed within South Africa’s meat sheep sector. Suffolk sheep are valued there for growth, carcass performance, early maturity, fertility and their use in crossbreeding programmes aimed at producing meat lambs.
Sale results
| Category | Average price |
|---|---|
| Rams | R28 280 |
| Open ewes | R13 206 |
| Pregnant ewes | R12 500 |
| Ewes with lambs | R10 636 |
| Highest-priced ewe | R50 000 |
The top-priced ewe was lot 52, offered by HP Geldenhuys of Debak Suffolks in the Memel district. It was bought by Dewald Linde and Johnny Forbes of Vredesig Suffolks in the Darling district. The lot achieved R50 000, adding to the evidence of strong competition for breeding females as well as rams.
Role of the Suffolk breed
The auction’s average prices were R28 280 for rams, R13 206 for open ewes, R12 500 for pregnant ewes and R10 636 for ewes with lambs. These figures cover the different classes offered at the event and are not comparisons with UK market prices.
- The sale was held near Bloemfontein on 3 October.
- Lot 3 was the auction’s leading ram at R140 000.
- The ram was the only lot identified as carrying New Zealand genetics.
- Lot 52 was the highest-priced ewe at R50 000.
The National Suffolk Auction was presented by BKB Kroonstad in collaboration with Swift. The results illustrate the value placed by South African breeders on pedigree stock and access to fresh genetics, particularly where the national population of a breed remains comparatively small.
