Van Rooy-Sheep Breeders Association

On December 5th 1947, a number of breeders of the Van Rooy sheep assembled at Colesberg and under the guidance of Mr. MA du Plessis of Steynsburg in the chair, the Van Rooy Sheep Breeders’ Association was formed. This association was formed to watch over the development and interests of the Van Rooy sheep. Influenced by the very high wool prices that followed shortly afterwards many farmers lost all interest and the Association held its last meeting on November 3rd 1950.
The Association disbanded and remained inactive for many years. However, on 12th October 1960 another meeting was held at Philippolis and the association was resuscitated under the chairmanship of Mr. NL Steyn of Colesberg. It still exists today and membership increases form year to year. The association is
increasingly rendering necessary service to its members as well as to other Van Rooy breeders or prospective breeders.
The Association aims at the improvement of the breed and therefore an inspection service has been instituted. Under this system the sheep of farmers, that are interested, are inspected or selected by inspectors appointed by the Association. Stud animals are tattooed in the right ear for identification. Prospective Van Rooy farmers may buy their animals via the Association, thus ensuring that they are procuring selected stock of pure breed. A National championship is held biannually under the auspices of the Van Rooy Sheep Breeders’ Association. Improvement in quality is easily discernible here. At this moment the Association is organizing an annual sale of selected rams and ewe. From time to time Van Rooy sheep-days are held, at which the standards set for the breed, as well as marks for classification, are explained. The programme usually includes also other interesting lectures on points of general interest.