A Merino Stud With Its Feet Firmly On The Ground

Earlier this year Stockfarm visited the dry winter landscape of Dordrecht where Peter Cloete and his son, David, manage the Pine Grove Merino Stud.

The stud, which this year celebrates 118 years of sheep farming, began with Peter’s grandfather, Toby Cloete. Toby was quite the legend in the Merino industry and was known as an outspoken individual who knew what he wanted. Initially he and his brother farmed on the farm Jonashoek in the Indwe district. However, he purchased a piece of land called Dennehof in the Dordrecht area in 1926, and moved his share of the Jonashoek Merino stud to the new farm. It later became known as the Pine Grove Merino Stud on the farm Pine Grove.

The keys to success

Approximately six years ago, Peter became involved with Agri Eastern Cape where he now serves as vice-president. David returned home to help on the farm after completing a BSc degree in Animal Science.

Running a tight ship with the help of their farm manager, Wikus van Zyl, the team mainly farms Merino sheep which consists of the stud, a commercial flock and a wether component. They also have beef cattle and some dairy cows.

Peter believes the only way to know where you stand with your farm, is to walk among your animals and with your feet in the kraal. “Furthermore, our single biggest asset is our workers, many of whom have been on the farm for generations.”

Breeding for the environment

Both Peter and David agree that the physical characteristics of an animal will always play a pivotal role in the selection process. The stud is therefore managed in a balanced way so that technology is important, but not the alpha and omega. They also trust that nature, or the environment, will determine how an animal will perform. “There are only a few producers left who truly breed for themselves and the environment,” says Peter.