Photo: Annelie Coleman
RC Malherbe, owner of Malherbe Boerdery, which includes a SA Suffolk stud, in Hertzogville in the Free State, told Farmer’s Weekly at Nampo 2025 that the SA Suffolk is a hardy sheep breed, and has all the characteristics needed for lucrative sheep farming, including hardiness, adaptability, growth and carcass quality.
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He added that the breed is ideal for crossbreeding with other breeds, improving carcass weights and meat quality. The breed’s adaptability also makes it possible to be successfully farmed by red meat producers in semi-arid areas like the Karoo.
SA Suffolk rams have proven themselves to sire supreme prime lambs with extraordinarily high weaner growth rates, he said. He added that their meat contains a high proportion of lean meat to fat.
“The SA Suffolk is an outstanding mutton sheep breed that can add real value to sheep farming in the country,” he said.
According to Malherbe, its black skin and feet also makes it highly resistant to foot rot.
