The second Morakeng Farm Camp (MFC) Boer goat production auction was a resounding success. The auction provided a unique platform for both buyers and sellers, and offered a valuable learning experience for aspiring farmers participating in the event. The auction took place on 27 July in Morokweng, about 140km outside Vryburg in North West.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor of African Farming
Despite being an informal platform, the auction demonstrated great potential for upcoming Boer goat breeders, who witnessed their animals selling at impressive prices.
The highest-priced ram was Lot 33, an 11-month-old goat bred by Kehentse Mosimanyane of Tsepamo & Co., which sold for R32 000 to Rapelang Maibi. The second-highest priced ram, Lot 35, also from Tsepamo & Co., fetched R20 000.
As for ewes, the highest price was achieved by Lot 29, a pregnant four-tooth ewe from Mosa Baitsiwe of Baitsiwe Boerdery in Heuningvlei. It was sold for R26 000 to Thabo Banda of Banda Professional Accountants. The second highest-priced ewe, also a pregnant four-tooth from Baitsiwe Boerdery, sold for R8 600.
The auction featured a total of 29 ewes and five rams, generating a total revenue of R251 300. The average price for confirmed pregnant ewes sold (10 in total) was R7 370, while ewes that were with rams (7) averaged R3 780, and dry ewes (12) averaged R3 800. Overall, the average price for all ewes was R4 800, and the average cost for the rams was R21 100.
Auction Going From Strength to Strength
Mosimanyane, a Boer goat stud breeder and founder of Tsepamo & Co., a family farming enterprise located near Morokweng outside Vryburg, noted that at the first MFC Boer goat auction last year less than 20 goats were sold and the auction generated a revenue of less than R100 000. This indicated the fantastic growth and progress the auction had achieved this year.
Mosimanyane, also the co-founder of the MFC Boer goat auction, highlighted that this growth shows breeders have not only increased their numbers but have also improved the quality of their animals. With strong mentorship, particularly from Desré Ferreira of Molopo Boer Goat Stud near Vryburg, they have established clear management objectives that emphasise the importance of genetic improvement.
“As a result, we developed a solid understanding of animal health and nutrition. Additionally, she taught us how to prepare for stud auctions, including how to select animals based on conformation and how to feed and groom them for market presentation,” explained Mosimanyane.
Lesedi Serapelwane, founder and owner of MFC, expressed her satisfaction with the results and thanked all participants who contributed to the event’s success. “We are delighted to have created a platform where farmers can come together to do business and learn from each other,” said Serapelwane.
