Females led strong results at the Towton Bonsmara auction, supported by good prices and steady demand. Bulls averaged R61 188, with a top price of R95 000. Despite FMD disruptions elsewhere, the auction proceeded successfully, reflecting resilience in the sector and continued confidence among both commercial and stud breeders.
By Johan Norval
Females achieved strong results at the 24th production auction of Towton Bonsmaras and the guest sellers.
Philip Williams of Towton at Deben in the Kalahari says they were able to proceed with the auction on 15 April due to the absence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the area.
The Towton stud was founded in 1980 by Williams’ father, Charles. It is one of the few cattle auctions that have taken place ahead of the expected run-up to the postponed Bonsmara production auctions planned by Bonsmara SA towards the end of May.
Auctioneer Chris Hendriks says the auction performed well, with 17 bulls sold at an average price of R61 188 – the highest price was R95 000. The buyer was Kobus Pretorius of Lykso between Vryburg and Kuruman.
The three-year-old bull, CSW 230012, bred by Williams, is one of seven sons at the auction of the renowned BBM 180174, bred by Phillip Poggenpoel of Poggenpoel Molopo in Stella.
Williams expressed satisfaction with the prices achieved by the females. The average prices were as follows: commercial cows with calves R22 819, pregnant commercial cows R22 364 and pregnant commercial heifers R21 556.
Vleissentraal Bloemfontein hosted the auction in collaboration with SwiftVEE at the Kuruman showgrounds.
One of the leading Bonsmara breeders whose auction has been postponed is Arthur de Villiers. His 34th Arcadia production auction at Vrede has been rescheduled to 10 September this year. This auction was originally scheduled for 15 April. “However, like many others in the industry, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone. The current situation in South Africa due to FMD is concerning, but we are grateful that, thanks to strict biosecurity measures, we have had no cases in our herd and that our herd is already vaccinated against the virus,” he says.
De Villiers plans to offer 70 females and 55 bulls in September, of which 12 will be herd bulls.
Also read:
Smiles from ear to ear at the Smaldeel Merino production auction
Six rams over R30 000 – Potberg Dohnes opened 2026 auction calendar in style
Mooihoek Merino auction builds on heritage and proven performance
Sellers ‘pleasantly surprised’ by prices at Link Merinos auction
