The 2026 Pioneer Cattle Breeders’ Auction was hosted by Hobson & Co on 1 May at Peinke Ranch. The auctioneer was Johan van der Nest. A total of 10 Boran bulls and 12 Droughtmaster bulls were offered, together with 35 female Boran animals and 15 female Droughtmaster animals in various stages of production.
By Fredalette Uys
A pregnant Boran heifer recently achieved an exceptional price of R350 000 at Peinke Ranch’s successful Pioneer cattle breeders’ auction near East London, where Borans and Droughtmasters were offered.
According to Keith Peinke, owner of Peinke Ranch, one of the standout moments of the auction was when the pregnant heifer, Odette PRB 242 (lot 61), sold for the top price of R350 000 to Hugo van Reenen of Shalathi Arabians near Pretoria.
This heifer combines exceptional phenotype with some of the strongest estimated breeding values (EBVs) offered at the auction and descends from the bloodline of the famous Kenyan bull K6K 3094, Peinke explained.
“We look forward to the impact she can make in the Boran breed in the years to come.”
According to Peinke, the auction was an exceptional success, with the auction hall filled with buyers from across South Africa. The strong support from both established and new clients was highly encouraging. Interest from local farmers was exceptional and the atmosphere throughout the day reflected the growing confidence in Pioneer breeding stock.
“One of the most exciting outcomes of the auction was the number of new buyers who invested in Boran and Droughtmaster Pioneer breeding stock. This support is an important step forward in expanding the reach and influence of the breeding stock throughout the country.”
The Boran offering attracted particular attention, with broad buyer support and all the animals sold. Boran bulls achieved an average price of R148 000, with a top price of R300 000. Female Boran animals averaged R96 000.
The entire Droughtmaster offering was also sold. Droughtmaster bulls achieved an average price of R70 000, with the highest-priced bull selling for R110 000. Female animals averaged R41 000, with a top price of R65 000.
According to Peinke, the results were especially rewarding considering the current economic climate, as well as the fact that this was the first time female Droughtmasters had been offered at the Pioneer auction.
He believes this represents a major contribution towards growing the breed nationally.
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