The 295 pregnant female animals achieved an average of R14 667 each. The average price for 101 bulls sold was R46 713.
The most expensive bull of the day fetched R90 000. As described by auctioneer Brandon Leer, it is an exceptionally beautiful animal with a long body and good balance.
This bull, like the others auctioned, is a product of Shawe Beef’s strict selection process. Approximately 600 bull calves undergo a field bull test each year, after which the farm selects 150. Over the next two years, these calves undergo tests to ensure that only the most fertile, hardy bulls of good quality are offered at the auction.
Female animals are selected just as strictly. After pregnancy tests, 250-300 pregnant females are offered at the production auction each year.
This year’s prices were slightly lower than last year, when the average price of bulls was R55 000 and pregnant cows and heifers averaged R16 000.
Auctioneer CJ Snyman says this is the current trend at production auctions in KwaZulu-Natal. He attributes it to poor weaner calf and slaughter cattle prices.
However, farmers who could afford it took advantage of the lower prices. One buyer bought 80 of the female animals, while an emerging farmer bought 18 pregnant cows and heifers.
According to Snyman, it was still a good auction in the current market, and George Shawe Beef once again offered top-quality animals.
