The 1 625 kg mega-ox named Jors that claimed the title of heaviest beef animal at this year’s NAMPO ALFA Livestock, Hunting and Outdoor Expo could yield a carcass of about 1,1 tonnes – if his owner, Flippie Snyman of Heilbron, were to have him slaughtered now. But Flippie says he plans to keep feeding Jors for another year, when he will be worth even more.

By Charl van Rooyen, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

At his current weight and a price of R45,50 per kilogram on the hoof, the Charbray ox could be worth about R74 000.

Last year, he also won the title of heaviest ox at NAMPO ALFA, held in Bothaville, and on 17 October 2025 he received the award again. Flippie decided not to transport him to the event this time because of his enormous size.

Flippie farms between Heilbron and Deneysville in the Free State. He describes himself as a weaner calf producer for whom ox farming is a hobby – “the heavier, the better”, he says.

He recently diversified into pig farming, and plans to use part of his maize crop to make silage while harvesting the rest to reduce feed costs. He plants winter pasture specifically for his weaned calves.

Also read: Champion ox sold at Eeram fatstock auction

How Jors Packs on the Kilos

Flippie usually feeds his oxen from the end of May to September for fattening cattle auctions, using a mix of yellow maize meal and a formulated feed containing the necessary nutrients. He regularly takes part in fattening auctions in Heilbron, Frankfort, Kroonstad and Randfontein.

Jors weighed in at a massive 1 625 kg just before NAMPO ALFA – up from “only” 1 460 kg a year ago, when he broke the previous record by 70 kg.

Flippie’s oxen have achieved 64–66% dressing percentages over the past seven years, with one animal reaching 68%. He believes Jors could match that figure.

The Charbray ox is now 7 years old. After winning the accolade last year, Jors took a three-month “break”, grazing only on Sugargraze before returning to Flippie’s feedlot, where he was fed from a feeding trough. Last week, Flippie moved his oxen out of the feedlot again to graze in the veld, where they no longer receive maize meal.

Too Special for Slaughter – For Now

Last year, Flippie said he wasn’t interested in slaughtering his prize ox because he had grown too attached to such an exceptional animal. Now, though, he is reconsidering. “I’m going to keep him for a while, although many feedlot auctions have already courted him,” he says.

For now, Jors will stay behind for another year or two, continuing to enjoy his maize-based diet.