Top game genetics continue to fetch millions at Valley Venture auction

Strong demand for top genetics pushed the turnover of the recent Valley Venture game auction beyond R20 million, with sable and hybrid gemsbok accounting for the bulk of the value.

By Jasper Raats, senior journalist at Landbouweekblad and African Farming

The auction, which comprised a live auction and an online timed auction, generated approximately R20,24 million in total turnover. The live component was by far the largest contributor, accounting for approximately R17,69 million in sales, compared with R2,55 million from the timed auction.

Although the auction performed strongly, the results indicate that the market is increasingly focused on quality. Exceptional genetics and trophy value commanded premium prices, while buyers appeared to be more selective in their purchasing decisions.

According to JP Smith of Wildswinkel, Valley Venture has established a strong reputation in sable and hybrid gemsbok breeding.

“Tina de Jager has a particular passion for these two species and is recognised as one of the leading breeders in the country,” says Smith.

Sable stands out

Sable bulls generated the highest turnover at the live auction. Seven bulls were sold at an average price of R440 000, with total turnover for the group reaching R3,08 million.

The most expensive sable at the auction was WildFire, a nearly six-year-old bull with 54 2/8-inch horns, bred by Tina de Jager of Valley Venture Stud and a son of the 53 4/8-inch bull Warren. The animal was sold for R1,7 million to Johan Hendriks of Kruzanu Safaris in the Kimberley area.

Sable cows contributed a further R3,07 million, achieving an average sale price of R255 833.

Hybrid gemsbok were also highly sought after. Hybrid gemsbok bulls achieved an average price of R279 444, generating total sales of R2,52 million, while females averaged R177 083 and contributed R2,13 million in turnover.

Smith says what stood out most to him was the strong average price achieved by female sable and hybrid gemsbok throughout the auction. This was supported by excellent genetics, top-quality bulls and the fact that most of the animals offered were pregnant.

The significant difference between the average and highest prices indicates that exceptional individuals can still command substantial premiums, while the market is functioning in a more disciplined manner than during the peak of the game price boom.

“The market appears healthy and values are ultimately determined by the end user,” says Smith.

Springbok surprise

Common springbok also performed strongly. Rams achieved an average price of R93 692, with one ram selling for R520 000.

The ram also attracted the greatest interest from buyers, receiving 42 bids.

According to Smith, springbok and gemsbok once again demonstrated that quality Karoo and Kalahari species continue to retain underlying value in breeding stock.

Smith, on behalf of Wildswinkel, also expressed his appreciation to Valley Venture Stud, as well as all buyers and registered participants, for what he described as an exceptionally successful auction.