Konsortium-Merino attained a new record turnover for a Merino ram auction in South Africa, at their 12^th production sale held on Dombietersfontein, Victoria West. This is only the second time in history that more than R1 million was realized at a Merino auction.

 

The 199 Konsortium rams, sold for an average price of R5 613 each, totaled R1 117 150. According to Danie Vorster, manager of Merino SA, the previous highest turnover for a merino ram auction was R1 053 050.This was in 1989, when 247 rams, from 46 breeders, were sold for an average of R4 263. The 199 rams sold, is also the most rams sold on an auction in the last 16 years.

 

The highest priced ram at the Konsortium sale was a merit ram which sold for R36 000. It was bought by four Alexanders from Trompsburg: Freddie and Erik from Korthoek, Frans from Stofkraal and Derek from Hammelfontein. Advocate Wesley Vos from Vosfontein, Beaufort West, bought a whopping 23 rams on the sale, paying R35 0000 and R22 000 for the second and third highest priced rams respectively. The 635 ewes on the Konsortium sale averaged R956. The highest price was R1 420 a piece for pregnant ewes with long wool.

 

More than 300 people from far and wide, attended this auspicious event. Lourens van der Linde from Klein Constantia, Wesselsbron, is very pleased with the 15 rams he bought at the sale. “We were there! This was a totally new experience for us and one which we hope to repeat often.”