13 May 2024
By: Charl van Rooyen
Bulls achieved good average prices at the 18th production auction of the Vlakte Bonsmara group held at Roedtan in Limpopo. A total of 29 bulls were sold for an average of R70 776, and participating farmers said this was satisfactory considering South Africa’s economic situation and the drought in some inland areas.
The most expensive bull, KDT 21-114, was sold for R180 000 by Du Toit Boerdery of Kobus du Toit, Marble Hall, to André and Judie Thirion, AJT Boerdery, Pretoria. This bull, born on 16 February 2021, has excellent breeding values – 83 for ease of calving, 133 for weaning calf value, 98 for fertility, 102 for maintenance, 120 for cow value, 139 for growth and 139 for carcass value.
Commercial female animals also achieved good prices. The highest price was R40 000 each for a group of three pregnant cows with calves (3-in-1) sold by Tian Kruger Boerdery, Roedtan, to AAG Logistics. A total of 53 pregnant cows with calves averaged R31 443.
Pregnant heifers averaged R26 672. A total of 96 animals were sold. The highest price of R37 000 was achieved by Tian Kruger. The buyer was Morgan Trading, represented by George Barnard of Morolong.
Nineteen cows with calves sold for an average of R23 289. The highest price of R31 000 was achieved by Kruger. Fick Agri from Dendron was the buyer.
Pregnant cows averaged R19 941, with 34 sold, and the highest price of R26 500 was paid by Kruger. The buyer was Thinus Maritz from Vaalwater.
Twelve heifers running with the bull averaged R18 000. The most expensive heifer fetched R19 000 and was sold by Barnard to Somerset Nature Reserve, Roedtan.
Open heifers were auctioned for an average of R15 000. Five heifers were sold at this price. The seller was Radon Projekte and the buyer was Salamus Properties.
The turnover of the bulls amounted to R2 052 500, and the female animals were sold for a total of R5 638 500.
The auction was conducted by Vleissentraal Bosveld under the auspices of Bonsmara SA, with the auctioneer being Mike Killassy.
