Sheep & Goats

In the Overberg, Potberg Dohnes proves why the versatile Dohne Merino excels. Renowned for mothering ability, high lambing rates, and fine wool, this tough breed delivers maximum profitability during difficult seasons.

Johnny Forbes, owner of the Vredesig Dormer stud in the Renosterveld of the Darling district in the Western Cape, breeds superior quality, strong, fertile, structurally correct, highly productive sheep that perform optimally under all possible farming systems in South Africa.

A dirty tail, pale eyelid or swollen jaw may be the first warning that parasites are already eating into a flock’s health and profitability. By the time sheep lose condition or start dying, the problem may have become far more difficult and expensive to control.

The Dormer sheep breed has a proud South African heritage, but more importantly, it remains deeply relevant in today’s modern agricultural landscape.

The Dormer is widely used as a crossbreeding sire over Merino ewes, valued for the growth and vigour it adds to the lamb crop. On Thomas van Kerken's farm near Makhanda, however, fertility comes first. His Dormers run on extensive veld, where animals are expected to maintain condition and reproduce with limited inputs. He spoke to Henning Naudé about his approach.

Eastern Cape livestock farmer Stefan Erasmus spoke with Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the advantages, challenges, and economics of intensive and extensive lambing systems and their role in improving flock productivity.

Stock theft, harsh veld conditions, and the demands of running a diversified farming business are constant tests for South African livestock producers. Paul and Daleen Roos of Moneymaker Meatmasters stud spoke to Henning Naudé about why they made the switch and how disciplined culling and a clear commercial breeding philosophy have helped build a young stud in just five years.

Nu Vino Meatmasters breeds sheep that perform where it matters most. By selecting for resilience, fertility, and functionality, the Fourie family is steadily building a flock designed to thrive under some of South Africa's harshest conditions.

The late Charles Freeme built a thriving Meatmaster enterprise through disciplined breeding, commercial thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning. This profile was written shortly before the passing of respected Meatmaster breeder Charles Freeme on 17 July 2026. It is published as a tribute to his contribution to South African sheep breeding.

The breeding objectives for the Meatmaster sheep breed were simple and straightforward from the onset, according to one of the pioneers of Meatmaster breeding in South Africa, Clynton Collett from Venterstad. He told Annelie Coleman that the Meatmaster selection criteria were based totally on profitable traits.

Dorper breeder Johannes Human is using the tough, arid conditions presented by his Northern Cape farm to create sheep that can thrive in similar terrain but also adapt to any other type of environment. Sabrina Dean found out more about his practices.

Cold, wet and windy conditions can quickly become life-threatening for goats, particularly newly-shorn Angoras. Proper planning, good nutrition and access to shelter are essential to minimise losses during adverse weather.

Grant Naudé, president of Merino South Africa, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the Merino breed’s adaptability, dual-purpose strengths and vital role in sustaining South Africa’s wool and meat industries.

In just over a decade, Dorper breeder, inspector and judge Ashley Phillips has visited more than a dozen countries around the globe to conduct work involved with the breed. He spoke to Sabrina Dean about how the sheep breed’s adaptability, fertility, and proven carcass quality have positioned it as a global player.

Twinning in Dorper sheep can greatly boost productivity, but it requires precise nutrition, fertility management, and seasonal planning to safeguard ewe health and lamb survival.

As the agriculture sector starts to adapt to the fast-paced development of technology, producers and processors need to decide what to implement and what to avoid. Henning Naudé spoke to Izak Klopper, manager of shearer training at the National Wool Growers’ Association, about how shearing has changed, and what the industry can expect from new research and development from international markets.

Ashley Phillips, a Dorper farmer in Tarkastad in the Eastern Cape, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about genetics, production systems, nutrition, breeding efficiency and the economics of sheep farming.

Nestled in the arid expanse of the Northern Cape, the ATKA Dorper Stud, owned and run by Dr Corrie Avenant, is producing world-class Dorpers that are in high demand.

Zimbabwe’s goat industry is steadily growing, moving towards a structured, traceable, breed-standard-driven system. Farmer, Sifiso Ndlovu Agbetorwoka discusses the industry’s progress, South African training programmes, and how her farm is helping to shape commercial goat production in Zimbabwe.

Giel Swiegers’s Boer goats aren’t the farm’s main income, but by grazing once-unused slopes, they play a vital role in keeping his farm, Witrivier, resilient and productive.