Judges Exams 22 -23 March 2011

The Judges Exams were held in Kenhardt on 22&23 March 2011. Only 8 people attended the Exam and 5 people passed. As you all know that this is one of the most difficult exams and I want to congratulate everyone that passed and also thank the 3 people who did not make it. I would also like to thank the 3 Examiners (Inspectors). The feedback from everybody was that this was a huge success and it was well presented. We hope that the candidates will use the knowledge that they gained for the benefit of the Society. Look out for the next Judges exam that should take place in October 2011.

National Veldram Project

I attended the weighing of the National Veldram project on the 15th of March and I am happy to report that the Rams are doing very well! Some of the rams gained more than 22kg since October and most of them are looking great. The Veldram committee also had a meeting and discussions with the role players. I am very confident that we will be able to sort some of the problems we had last year. We are currently busy getting people and sponsors on board to make this year sale a great one.

INTERGIS - PRETORIA

2011-03-24 PRETORIA More than 200 delegates attended a meeting where the Department of Agriculture, ARC, Registrar, NERPO, STAMBOEK, and various other authorities and Society's were present. The aim of the meeting was to share an innovative strategy to improve the quality and manner of service delivery for the National Animal Recording and Improvement Schemes and thus enhance the productivity of our livestock in South Africa. Some interesting aspects were discussed and it seems that the ARC wants to take control of the INTERGIS system again. We will have to sit back and wait on the outcome of the LOGFRAME discussions that took place during the meeting. A committee was form where all the relevant role players using INTERGIS will make suggestions on the way forward for the National Schemes. I will keep you posted.

Beaufort West Nasional Sale

After numerous request from our breeders that the National Sale at Beaufort Wes must still be held on 18 August 2011, it was decided to ask Auctioneers to tender for the Sale.

I think that we all should put in a major effort to make the National sale a huge success. I will keep you posted.

On a personal note: On my way to Cape Town today to do the Cape Argus Cycle tour. It was a long season (more that 3000km since September) and I'm looking forward to put the bicycle away for a couple of months.

Back from Bloemfontein

I'm back from Bloemfontein (council meeting). Looking forward to spend a long time at the office and not driving around that much. Its amazing how much admin awaits you, although you were only out of office for 2 days.
I'm crossing fingers that the National Auction in Bloemfontein will be a good one, because we had a lot of animals withdrawn from the auction due to various reasons.

I'll give feedback on the auction when I receive all the figures.

The Dorper News 2011 will be available in a few days and we are looking at sending it to our members sometime next week.
I'll include a circular letter with the Dorper News that will include council decisions etc.