Genetics and breeding pave the way for Bessiesfontein's success

Dohne Merino sheep are renowned for their dual-purpose capabilities, excelling in both wool and meat production. In addition, the breed is known for its adaptability to a variety of climates and management systems. Julius Beukes, a well-known Dohne Merino breeder near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, spoke to Magda du Toit about his production system.

- By Magda du Toit

Julius Beukes operates a mixed farming operation on the lower slopes of the Drakensberg near Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. His main goal is breeding fertile sheep with lambs that grow fast and deliver a quality fleece.

Beukes is first and foremost a livestock farmer focusing on his Bessiesfontein Dohne Merino stud as well as a commercial cattle herd. The fields that he cultivates are mainly for use in his livestock operation, and he predominantly uses contractors for planting and harvesting.

While livestock farming can be profitable and plays an essential role in eco-sustainability, it will only deliver benefits to farmers who are well equipped to handle it, he says.

Beukes started his farming operation from scratch. He founded his farm with 16 ewes and built the stone kraal near the homestead in 1994 as a priority.

He mentions that two people specifically had a major impact on him as a sheep farmer. One is Walter Pretorius, who worked at BKB for many years.

“Walter helped me with operational and financial decisions, and I was able to buy good rams with the proceeds of my wool.”

The other is Henri Londt who, as breed director of the Dohnes, “spurred me on with his wide knowledge and passion for the industry”.

Beukes adds that the breed association, research institutions and industry organisations are great resources that provide support and networking opportunities for breeders and farmers across the country.

Dohne Merino sheep are known for their high fertility and reproductive efficiency, with ewes typically producing multiple lambs per lambing season.

This high fertility rate, combined with good mothering abilities, contributes to increased lambing percentages and overall productivity in breeding flocks.

BREEDING STRATEGIES