Namibian Judges in Brazil for Record Dorper Expo
Two Namibian Dorper experts, Le Roux van Wyk and Pieter van Schalkwyk, are currently in Brazil, where they form part of the international judging panel at the 2025 National Dorper & White Dorper Breeds Expo — the largest event of its kind ever held in the country. The show, hosted at the Serra Talhada Exhibition Park in Pernambuco from 8 to 19 October, is part of the 2nd Serra Expo Berro and has drawn record participation from breeders across Brazil.
According to the ABC Dorper association, this year’s event has surpassed all previous records with 1,083 sheep entered, including 836 Dorper and 247 White Dorper animals from over 100 exhibitors nationwide. Judging began on 13 October and runs through the week, culminating in the Grand Championships on 19 October.
The judging team, which also includes South African judge Mickey Phillips, is overseeing the classification and championship rounds in what the organisers describe as the “greatest edition of them all.” Both Van Wyk and Van Schalkwyk are respected figures in the Dorper world and bring decades of breeding and judging experience to the competition.
Speaking from Brazil via Facebook, Pieter van Schalkwyk, who also chairs the Aroab Farmers Association, said he was proud to represent Namibia at such a prestigious international event. “Honoured to be part of one of the world’s biggest Dorper events!” he said on 8 October.
Van Schalkwyk, a traditional Dorper breeder since the 1970s, has previously judged at Feinco (2009) in São Paulo and Caprishow (2022) in Dormentes. His colleague Le Roux van Wyk has officiated at both the South African National Dorper Show and the Brazilian National Show in São José do Rio Preto.
A legacy of excellence in Dorper breeding
Their participation reflects Namibia’s enduring connection to the global Dorper industry. Alongside South Africa, Namibia is recognized as one of the breed’s original strongholds, where the Dorper has been refined for its adaptability to arid conditions and exceptional meat quality. Namibian breeders have long supplied superior genetics across southern Africa and beyond, establishing a reputation for animals that perform well under extensive grazing systems.
Namibia’s involvement in the international Dorper circuit dates back several decades. Namibian judges have regularly been invited to officiate at shows in South America, Australia, and Europe, while local stud breeders have exported top genetics worldwide. The presence of Van Wyk and Van Schalkwyk in Brazil continues this legacy - a testament to the expertise and credibility that Namibian Dorper breeders have earned on the global stage.
According to the ABC Dorper association, this year’s event has surpassed all previous records with 1,083 sheep entered, including 836 Dorper and 247 White Dorper animals from over 100 exhibitors nationwide. Judging began on 13 October and runs through the week, culminating in the Grand Championships on 19 October.
The judging team, which also includes South African judge Mickey Phillips, is overseeing the classification and championship rounds in what the organisers describe as the “greatest edition of them all.” Both Van Wyk and Van Schalkwyk are respected figures in the Dorper world and bring decades of breeding and judging experience to the competition.
Speaking from Brazil via Facebook, Pieter van Schalkwyk, who also chairs the Aroab Farmers Association, said he was proud to represent Namibia at such a prestigious international event. “Honoured to be part of one of the world’s biggest Dorper events!” he said on 8 October.
Van Schalkwyk, a traditional Dorper breeder since the 1970s, has previously judged at Feinco (2009) in São Paulo and Caprishow (2022) in Dormentes. His colleague Le Roux van Wyk has officiated at both the South African National Dorper Show and the Brazilian National Show in São José do Rio Preto.
A legacy of excellence in Dorper breeding
Their participation reflects Namibia’s enduring connection to the global Dorper industry. Alongside South Africa, Namibia is recognized as one of the breed’s original strongholds, where the Dorper has been refined for its adaptability to arid conditions and exceptional meat quality. Namibian breeders have long supplied superior genetics across southern Africa and beyond, establishing a reputation for animals that perform well under extensive grazing systems.
Namibia’s involvement in the international Dorper circuit dates back several decades. Namibian judges have regularly been invited to officiate at shows in South America, Australia, and Europe, while local stud breeders have exported top genetics worldwide. The presence of Van Wyk and Van Schalkwyk in Brazil continues this legacy - a testament to the expertise and credibility that Namibian Dorper breeders have earned on the global stage.
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