Fenfield Reds Cathcart producers achieved strong prices by prioritising thorough weaner preparation, including early weaning and vaccination. The auction recorded a 100% sale rate, with prices exceeding expectations. Consistent quality and careful management continue to attract buyers nationwide, rewarding producers with premium returns and reinforcing confidence in the market.
By Fredalette Uys
The Fenfield Reds Cathcart group was rewarded with additional returns for the extra effort invested in preparing their weaners.
According to Richard Armstrong, chairperson of the sellers’ group, the group’s objective is to prepare the weaners as thoroughly as possible for buyers. These steps include weaning calves by the end of March so that dry calves, which are not unsettled and calling for their dams in feedlots, can be marketed. The calves are also vaccinated with Bovi-Shield Gold (Reg. No. G3837, Act 36 of 1947) to prevent respiratory disease in feedlots.
“We aim to market our animals with these additional measures. We do this to achieve a premium and because we are proud of the product we market.”
According to Armstrong, it was a strong auction that performed above the market average, with prices exceeding expectations.
The Fenfield Reds Cathcart Weaner Calf Auction was held on 16 April at the Cathcart Country Club. The strong offering consisted of high-quality weaners and attracted buyers from across the country.
A total of 1 689 bull calves and 217 heifers were offered, with a 100% sale rate achieved on the day. All the calves were sold to feedlots.
The top price of R48,60/kg was achieved by lot 28, consisting of 33 uncastrated bull calves from Paradoxus Estates of Cathcart, with an estimated weight of 181 kg.
The group of 737 bull calves lighter than 200 kg sold for an average price of R47,58/kg, while the group of 952 bull calves heavier than 200 kg achieved an average of R46,28/kg.
A total of 217 heifer calves were sold at an average price of R43,75/kg.
The broker was Sheard Auctioneers, with Ian Sheard as auctioneer.
Sheard agrees that it was a very successful auction, particularly considering the volume of weaners currently entering the market.
He adds that it is encouraging to have achieved these prices and that the effort made by producers to present a quality product ensures that buyers return year after year to support the auction.
The auction was initially established by a group of Fenfield Red breeders. Over time, farmers in the area producing other cattle breeds have joined. The auction is managed by the farmers themselves, with participation open to any producer who complies with the required protocols.
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