Merino rams join communal flocks

More than 3 000 quality-bred Merino rams are being distributed to 300 shearing sheds in an effort to add value to communal flocks in the former Transkei and Ciskei, according to the National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA). his is part of a project that started five years ago. Nearly 13 000 rams have already been introduced into these areas after commercial breeders were contracted by the NWGA to breed rams according to specific guidelines. o ensure ownership, the communal farmers can exchange their home-bred rams for NWGA rams on a one-on-one basis. Each year recipients of rams are taken to breeders’ farms to view the commercial flocks that supply the breeding material and to get a chance to learn more about commercial sheep farming. – Roelof Bezuidenhout For more information contact Bonita Francis at the NWGA on (041) 365 5030 or 082 413 6416.