The existence of Skuilhoek Damara Stud dates back to 1996. 

Genetic excellence is the pivot on which the success of Skuilhoek Stud hinges. Veteran farmer Nichlas Mbingeneeko is the brain behind the success and continued excellence at Skuilhoek Stud farming. The Stud subscribes to excellence in respect of genetic superiority and genetic value creation in the stud breeding and commercial farming arenas.

Mbingeneeko sourced the core herd of Damara sheep for the formation of Skuilhoek Damara Stud at selected production auctions during the late 1990s at NamBoer Auctioneers under the late Piet Coetzee.

During that period, the premises of NamBoer Auctioneers were the most popular rendezvous for centralised exchange of genetic quality through production auctions.  At these production auctions, Mbingeneeko always bought the cream of the crop with elite classification from the most prominent, reputable breeders of that time, i.e., Daan Weerlig van Vuuren, Christie Labuschagne, Piet Coetzee and Bertie van Zyl. 

They all did pioneer work to improve the Damara sheep in Southern Africa. It goes, therefore, without saying that Skuilhoek Stud is the epicentre of genetic superiority and proven ennoblement.

Mbingeneeko believes firmly that before one venture into anything, it must be preceded by the acquisition of a vast fund of knowledge and expertise in that particular area. 

To further concretise his appreciation and knowledge of the Damara sheep, he attended and completed the Junior Course for the Damara Sheep in 1996, which was followed by the Senior Course, Inspector Course – and finally, the Judging Course. 

Tried and tested 

These qualifications and the unparalleled passion for the Damara sheep enabled Mbingeneeko to breed Damara sheep of exceptional quality, both in terms of genotype and phenotype.

The uniqueness of Skuilhoek Damara sheep is the secret behind the excellent performance of Mbingeneeko at Agricultural Shows anywhere in Namibia – be it Windhoek Show, Stampriet Show, Okakarara Trade Fair or Aminuis Show. Mbingeneeko is never content with the bare minimum when it comes to breeding. 

Therefore, his breeding philosophy is one of exceeding the breed standards in respect of phenotype and subscribing to maximum meat production to tilt the scales in favour of the commercial farmer.

It is worth mentioning that he is one of the few Namibian Damara Sheep Breeders registered with the Namibian Stud Breeders Association. 

Skuilhoek Damaras have a traceable genealogy (pedigree) and verifiable records and genotypes. 

In addition, Skuilhoek Damara Stud is registered with the Damara Sheep Breeders Society of Namibia. 

This surely epitomises professionalised breeding. Genetic superiority, breeding excellence, integrity and excellent after-sales service consistently make Skuilhoek clients more than happy, contributing to an ever-increasing client base. 

Therefore, Skuilhoek’s genetic material is not purchased by Namibians only, but has gone as far as Botswana and South Africa.

Products from Skuilhoek Damara Stud will be on offer at the upcoming New Dimension Genetics Production Auction on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at 18h00, at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring in Windhoek, featuring Damara sheep of superior quality. 

It is an onsite and online auction. 

The next production auction featuring Skuilhoek Damara sheep is the Ubuntu Production Auction on 9 April 2026 at the same venue. 

Superior quality will again be guaranteed.

-ohembapu@nepcom.na