Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The Eastern Cape Boer goat championship show took place at the Willowmore showgrounds on 13 and 14 February. A total of 22 contestants entered the competition, which is known as an exciting premier event. This year, a total of 500 of the best Boer goats, Savanna Goats, and Kalahari Red goats in the region were showcased.
There was a noticeable air of excitement and expectancy among the participants and interested parties, and the tension was tangible when judging commenced in the ring. The goats were carefully examined by two judges from the Western Cape, Joubert van der Merwe and Jan-Chris (Baksteen) Marais, who are accredited judges of the SA Boer Goat Association. They were assisted by the attentive ring officials, Barend Koen, Colin Maart and Alina Volschenk, while Daan Schutte did excellent work as the announcer.
Invariably, while all participants at this exceptional show should be viewed as winners, only the cream of the crop were ultimately crowned as this year’s champions. – Carin Venter, Plaas Media
Front, from left: Trudie-Mari Nel of Karoo Livestock Studs; Marco Stefaas, handler of reserve grand champion Boer goat ram; and Amos Ngindo, handler of grand champion Boer goat ram.
Back, from left: Ockie Nel of Karoo Livestock Studs; Gerrie Ferreira of Karoo Livestock Studs; Joubert van der Merwe, judge; Baksteen Marais, judge; Stefaans Malan of Paardefontein Boerbokstoet; Kobus Lötter, SA Boer Goat Breeders Association president; and Barend Koen, ring steward. (Photo by Elmaré Kilian)
Front, from left: Casper Byleveld of Nico Botha Boerbokstoet; Orton Chirwa, handler of reserve grand champion Boer goat ewe; Kobus Lötter, SA Boer Goat Breeders Association president; Trudie-Mari Nel of Karoo Livestock Studs; Danville Afrika, handler of grand champion Boer goat ewe; and Ockie Nel of Karoo Livestock Studs.
Back, from left: Barend Koen, ring steward; Joubert van der Merwe, judge; Baksteen Marais, judge; and Gerrie Ferreira of Karoo Livestock Studs. (Photo by Elmaré Kilian)
Front, from left: Winston Arense, handler of Kalahari Red grand champion ewe, and unknown handler of Kalahari Red reserve champion ewe.
Back, from left: Barend Koen, ring steward; Joubert van der Merwe, judge; Brian and Francis Kingwill with their son, Aaron, of Ithemba Kalahari Reds, and Baksteen Marais, judge. (Photo by Elmaré Kilian)
Front, from left: André Barnardt of Dankbaar Savannas; Dexter Heynse, handler of reserve grand champion Savanna ram; Michelle de Wet of Blackie Swart Savannas; Maboetie Mbilini, handler of great champion Savanna ram; and Kobus Lötter, SA Boer Goat Breeders Association president.
Back, from left: Barend Koen, ring steward; Baksteen Marais, judge; Joubert van der Merwe, judge; and Blackie Swart of Blackie Swart Savannas. (Photo by Elmaré Kilian)
Front, from left: Kenneth Wood, handler of reserve grand champion Savanna ewe, and Orton Chirwa, handler of grand champion Savanna ewe.
Back, from left: Barend Koen, ring steward; Joubert van der Merwe, judge; Naas Barnardt of Dankbaar Savannas; André Barnardt of Dankbaar Savannas; Baksteen Marais, judge; and Joubert van der Merwe (junior). (Photo by Sreandi Koen)
For more information, contact Pieter Fouché, secretary of the Eastern Cape Boer goat club on 072 828 9265.
