The Rhys Evans Group of Viljoenskroon is still flying the flag high for the Sussex cattle breed after 80 years and three generations later. This was evident at their Huntersvlei Sussex stud’s latest production auction where a show-stopping bull was sold for a national record price.
By Vida Booysen, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
The record price of R320 000 for Huntersvlei Polled Mighty (JRE 23-33) was the cherry on top of a very successful celebration of the stud’s 80th anniversary. But achievements like these don’t happen by themselves, says Claire Evans-Anderson. She is at the helm of this diverse family business, which also includes crops, a feedlot and abattoir.
“The success of Huntersvlei is not only due to its bloodlines, but also to all the skilled hands and dedicated hearts that have nurtured the herd over the past eight decades.”
She says that while they employ the very latest scientific methods, Huntersvlei still follows the same ethical approach that her grandfather, Rhys Evans, and her father, Anthony Evans, established: to supply good bulls to the commercial and stud market, producing excellent cows with high milk production. “We received wonderful support today from buyers whose connection with us spans three generations. This is not only significant for us, but also for the Sussex breed, which is currently experiencing great growth.”
Huntersvlei specialises in breeding stud bulls, but the other bulls on offer also did well, with an average price of almost R87 000. Regarding the record price achieved, Enrico Cronjé, manager of Huntersvlei, says that he knew that the bull, thanks to its breeding, would do very well.
“These are completely new bloodlines that we have developed ourselves and that are not yet available in the world of polled Sussex. I am pleased that the bull is going to another stud breeder.”
The buyers are Quintin and Kyla Lamprecht of Stone River Sussex in the Memel district. Lamprecht says the auction was a special experience and he is very grateful for the good bull he was able to get. “The experts we consulted all recommended that we come here. I am very excited to use him on my cows.”
In response to the question about what the biggest change is that distinguishes this Huntersvlei stud from others in the past, Cronjé says that the marketing methods have changed radically. “A few years ago, a farmer showed up at the auction and got his catalogue. Now, with social media, the competition is just incredible, and it’s about how you as a stud farmer make sure you are seen.”
Speaking of marketing: Claire and her sister, Sally Evans, also produced a first for an auction this year. Together, the two created a special newspaper, The Cattle Chronicle, and had it printed for visitors to their auction. The newspaper was packed with historical photos and featured reports of their stud’s many achievements over the years, as well as the Rhys Evans family’s commitment to the Sussex cattle breed.
Vleissentraal Bloemfontein hosted the auction and Allan Sinclair was the auctioneer. Swiftvee provided the online platform.
The auction results are:
Highest price for bulls: R320 000; average price R86 944;
Cow and calf combination: Highest price R22 500; average price R19 083
Pregnant heifer combination: Highest price R23 000; average price R20 207.
