11 October 2023
By: Marisa Beeton
The quality of animals at Palmietfontein Bonsmaras’ 36th production auction and their excellent performance in the field resulted in higher average prices for the bulls this year.
The average bull price of R67 700 was more than enough to put a satisfied smile on Quinton Ferreira’s face. “We are very satisfied. Most of the animals were sold and we got fair prices,” said Ferreira after the auction held in the Brandfort district in the Free State.
The Bonsmara studs Aarfontein, Maarten Boerdery Trust and La Patience were involved in the auction, offering 30 stud bulls and 300 female animals.
The most expensive bull of the day was QCF 200061 (lot 9) from Aarfontein, which fetched R150 000. He was sold to Louwrens Erasmus of Luiperdspoort Bonsmaras in Petrusburg.
Ferreira believes this bull’s exceptional phenotypic traits and breeding values were decisive factors for the high price. “It’s a quality bull from a quality bloodline, and the figures speak for themselves; he scores above 110 in every breeding value.”
Other bulls that achieved top prices were MBT 200292 from Maarten Boerdery Trust, sold for R130 000, and QFC 200030 from Aarfontein, which fetched R105 000.
However, it’s the average price that satisfies Ferreira. “The market is tough but we achieved a higher average price than last year. The past two years, cattle prices were very high, but the market has returned to normal. We had a large offering and we are happy with how much we sold.”
He points out that they sell a different type of Bonsmara bull than most other breeders. “Our motto is: be smart, buy a field bull. We have a good market for it. People buy from us and always come back. They know that what they see is what they get,” said Ferreira.
The Palmietfontein production auction was conducted by Tobie Myburgh Auctioneers and Theuns Visser was the auctioneer.
Results:
Bulls: Most expensive, R150 000; average, R67 700.
Cow and calf: Most expensive, R26 000; average, R22 785.
Pregnant cow: Most expensive, R24 500; average, R20 619.
Heifers: Most expensive, R12 000; average, R12 000.
Pregnant heifer: Most expensive, R25 500; average, R19 824.
