VEA sets new standard in Boer goat breeding

VEA Stud Breeders made headlines in the past two years for paying the highest prices at various auctions for top Boer goats. William Smit, general manager of VEA Agri and Tourism, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how these strategic purchases are helping them build a stud that excels both on the farm and in the show ring.

- Glenneis Kriel

VEA Stud Breeders, near Bonnievale in the Western Cape, made headlines in May when they bought Next Level (762-22-1427) for R2,3 million from Lukas and Abraham Burger of Griekwastad, Northern Cape.

The sale followed Next Level's crowning as eight-tooth world champion at the Boer Goat Breeders' Society's biennial world championships during the Bloem Show.

While some might consider R2,3 million an excessive price for a Boer goat, William Smit, general manager of VEA Stud Breeders, sees it as a strategic investment in the stud, which was registered only last year.

As the name suggests, Smit believes Next Level will elevate their breeding programme: "Next Level is as close to the perfect Boer goat that one can find.

"He is not only impressive in appearance, with exceptional colour, a long, broad head and neck, and perfectly shaped horns, but his progeny are already proving his value at competitions."

Since its registration, VEA Stud Breeders has selectively invested in top rams and ewes to build an 'elite Boer goat' stud, also paying R1,05 million last year for Formula One (762-21-467).

Mention this ram to Smit, and he immediately lights up, tracing its pedigree back several generations.

Also from the Burger Stud, Formula One boasts an award-winning lineage: his dam, Demi Lee (762-17-284), was Senior Reserve and Senior Grand Champion Ewe at the Northern Cape Championships in 2019, while his sire, Maserati (762-19-1002), was crowned World Champion Ram in 2021.

Formula One's son (762-23-133) won the Junior Champion Ram Lamb title at this year's world championships, while a daughter (762-23-539) was crowned Junior Champion Ewe at the Central Inland Regional Show in Vryburg.

Asked what traits he looks for when buying stud Boer goats, Smit says meat production is the main goal.