38 YEARS AGO Alfie Brett, a Merino farmer in the GraaffReinet district, says that his strict adherence to a culling programme ensures that his sheep remain hardy and adaptable.
“Constantia, in the Graaff-Reinet district, is Alfie Brett’s farm. There, complete faith has been placed in the Merino, careful records are kept, and merciless culling takes place under the guiding hand of Robin Slater, sheep and wool expert, and Mr Brett’s farm manager, Archie Marx.
“Mr Brett is a firm believer in keeping accurate records on each stud animal, and that is why his stud is kept at an easily manageable size of 200. The 3 500 flock ewes fend for themselves.
“Explains Mr Brett: ‘Once your stud becomes too big, it becomes unmanageable and you lose sight of some good animals. Ranch your sheep the hard way, and when selection time arrives, they will have adapted to hard conditions and you can easily select the best. Cull or sell the rest. Carry no passengers in an area where feed is scarce and conditions are harsh at times.’
MERCILESS CULLING
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