The Kevlynn Dohne Merino stud has built a solid reputation over many decades by focusing on one simple principle: breeding sheep that work for the farmer, not the other way around. On 3 February 2026, this philosophy will once again be on offer when Kevlynn hosts their annual sale, showcasing rams bred to perform under extensive, real farming conditions.
The Kevlynn Dohne Merino stud is based in the Dordrecht district in the Eastern Cape, where the Dohne Merino has been farmed since the mid-1980s. Situated on the edge of the Stormberg escarpment, the stud is managed in a demanding environment characterised by Highland Sourveld and mist-belt conditions. These high-rainfall, sourveld conditions require animals that are hardy, adaptable and capable of producing consistently without excessive management inputs.
A breeding philosophy built on functionality
At the heart of the Kevlynn breeding programme is the goal of producing easy-care sheep that optimise production while minimising costs. Selection is focused on animals that can thrive in their natural environment, without reliance on artificial inputs.
Key selection traits include fertility, sound hooves and legs, and well-balanced conformation, all without compromising wool quality. Inferior animals are removed early, ensuring that only functional, productive rams make it through to the final selection.
“We breed sheep that we are confident to use in our own commercial flock,” is a principle that underpins every decision in their programme.
Balancing meat and wool performance
One of the greatest strengths of the Dohne Merino is its dual-purpose ability, and Kevlynn has placed strong emphasis on maintaining this balance.
On the wool side, selection is aimed at producing medium-strength, white wool with extra length. The average micron of the Kevlynn clip is approximately 19 microns, making it a consistent and market-friendly product.
On the meat side, Kevlynn has made use of the Falkirk Index System and carcass scanning for the past 14 years. This long-term focus has delivered measurable results, increasing slaughter percentage and carcass quality of fat lambs from 44% to 49%. All lambs are finished on the farm and marketed as fat lambs, reinforcing the practical, profit-driven approach of the system.
Why Dohne Merinos continue to deliver value
For South African sheep farmers, the Dohne Merino remains one of the most versatile and economically sound breeds available. The breed offers the ability to produce high-quality slaughter lambs, while still delivering a reliable wool cheque every season.
This balance makes the Dohne Merino particularly attractive in variable climatic and market conditions, where flexibility and resilience are essential for long-term sustainability.
The upcoming 2026 sale offering
At the upcoming 2026 Kevlynn Dohne Merino Sale, 43 commercial rams will be on offer. Buyers can expect rams that have been selected strictly on functionality, adaptability and production ability.
Ram lambs are weaned onto the veld and only receive additional nutrition during the winter months when green feed is available. All animals with inferior conformation, poor hooves or substandard wool quality are culled at shearing, with a final selection carried out before the sale.
Importantly, the rams on offer are not overfed or pampered; they are presented in working condition, ready to adapt and perform in commercial environments.
Who should be investing in Kevlynn genetics?
Kevlynn Dohne Merino genetics are ideally suited to farmers who want adaptable, resilient sheep that can perform across a range of environments. These sheep are bred in a high-rainfall system and are proven to add carcass quality without sacrificing wool production.
Farmers looking to improve flock profitability through functional, performing genetics will find strong value in what Kevlynn offers.
Health, fertility and biosecurity
Strict biosecurity protocols will be adhered to on the sale day. All rams are fertility tested, structurally sound and fully prepared for immediate use. Vaccinations include Blue Tongue and Rift Valley Fever, with Multivax P administered – and all rams are dewormed to the sale.
No online or telephone bidding options will be available, encouraging buyers to attend in person and assess the animals for themselves.
A final word to prospective buyers
Prospective buyers are encouraged to attend the sale, view the rams and make their own assessments. Affordable, honest genetics that are bred by stockmen, for stockmen, will be on offer.
Save the date: The Kevlynn Dohne Merino Sale takes place on 3 February 2026 at Table Hill Farm, Dordrecht district, offering serious sheep farmers the opportunity to invest in proven, functional genetics bred to perform and add long-term value to commercial flocks.
