The name Olea is inspired by indigenous olive wood, which is prized for its quality. This emphasis on quality is also reflected in Olea Dohne Merino Stud, which breeds quality Dohne Merinos for sheep farmers.
Boet and Cecilia Steenkamp, who farm near Barkly East in the Eastern Cape, have made considerable progress in upgrading their commercial ewe flock to stud quality and establishing Olea Dohne Merino Stud.
They initially purchased stud ewes from the Higgs family, who had previously bred Walrich Merinos. Selected ewes were subsequently acquired from the Central Nucleus breeding scheme in the southern Free State.
This breeding programme was undertaken under the guidance of well-known sheep breeder Jan Joubert.
Breeding for quality
The Stud places considerable emphasis on selecting high-quality breeding rams. Its current breeding programme includes a son of the top ram at the 2022 national auction, as well as a ram from the well-known Kromspruit Dohne Stud. Breeding animals are selected according to the breed’s standards.
Rams from Olea have attracted strong demand at the Barkly East and Elliot promotional auctions, as well as more recently at the Eastern Cape Club auctions. The stud also holds an annual production auction.
The Steenkamps are committed to promoting the Dohne Merino breed by sharing their knowledge and experience with fellow breeders. Olea Dohnes has also assisted several other Dohne Merino studs in developing successful breeding enterprises.
The stud currently runs approximately 500 ewes in the mountainous terrain near Barkly East. It produces excellent hardy breeding rams with good wool characteristics for sheep farmers.
A large part of their success lately is due to Dr Kobus Delport, whose dedication to the breed made a great contribution in the selection and breeding of rams.
The Steenkamps believe true breeding excellence is not achieved overnight – it is cultivated through generations of knowledge, vision, and rigorous selection.
For more information, contact Boet Steenkamp on 082 780 0674.
