A possible record price of R52 000 was paid for a female ostrich at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s production auction, where high-quality breeding birds were offered.
By Fredalette Uys
Johan Fourie of the Kleine Schuur farm near Calitzdorp paid the top price of R52 000 for a female from Cornel Landman of Karoo Lucern in Oudtshoorn at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s ostrich production auction held on 18 March at the Oudtshoorn research farm.
Selected young breeding ostriches were offered at the auction, with the research farm presenting 25 males and 39 females.
Several guest sellers participated, including Jaco Mulder, Stan Lipchitz, Laubscher Coetzee and Cornel Landman, all from Oudtshoorn, as well as PJ Terblanche and Seun of De Rust, who also offered young breeding birds.
A total of 102 ostriches were sold at the auction at an average price of R11 054,35. A total of 54 females were sold at an average of R11 351,85, while 48 males achieved an average of R8 416,66. The higher prices for females were attributed to their reproductive capacity.
According to the auctioneer, P.A. Geldenhuys, the offering was of high quality. “The ostrich industry can be proud that such an auction can be held and of the breeding material that is made available to the industry.”
Buyers showed particular interest in breeding values such as chick and egg production, weight, and a favourable negative breeding value for hair follicles, which improves leather quality. Guest sellers placed greater emphasis on feather quality, and the presentation of feathered birds was of a very high standard.
The auction was presented by Klein Karoo Veilings en Veebemarking.
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