Angora Ram breeders focussed on offering solid genetics

GRAAFF-REINET — Albeit the most challenging drought agriculture in South Africa has experienced in decades, the South African Ram Breeders’ Society keeps their wits about them, and remain dedicated to offering the highest quality Angora Rams ensuring that South Africa remains at the forefront as the worlds’ biggest producer of top-class mohair.

Through pure grit and expertise, a total of approximately 160 beautiful rams approved by the high standards of the Angora Ram Breeders' Society was on offer at the Somerset East Fed Angora Group Ram Sale on November 16 and the more recent Graaff-reinet Ram Sale on November 23 respectively.

The downpour of rain at the Somerset East sale, measuring at about 60mm was such a blessing that the challenges on the dirt road to the sale venue were more of an adventure setting a very positive tone among the buyers.

Robert and Michael Bosch from Rietfontein Angoras’ stud ram received the highest bid of R20 000 at this sale with average prices achieved for stud rams reaching R13 900, R9 650 for selected flock rams and R 5 238 for flock rams.

The Graaff-reinet Ram Sale was also bursting at its seams with the interested buyers vying for their hopeful purchase of the selection of excellent animals on offer, but it was Oloff Hugo from Richmond that stood his ground and at R44 000 he claimed is stake on the highest selling ram of Jan and Jannie Lategan from Aberdeen.

Average prices at this sale ranged from R23 166 with select flock going under the hammer for about R15 666 while flock rams sold at an average of R6 217.

The next Angora Veld Ram Sale under the auspices of the Angora Ram Breeders will be held on January 25, 2018, at the Jansenville Showgrounds.

For more information about the Southafrican Mohair Growers Association and the Ram Breeders Association please visit their website www.angoras.co.za André van Zyl (CMW auctioneer), CMW Field Agent, Hannes Carstens, Oloff Hugo from Richmond (buyer) and Jannie Lategan from Aberdeen (seller) with the R44 000 highest selling ram.