The sixth national Ankole auction, held at president Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm near Bela-Bela at 20 June, achieved a turnover of R21,965 million. Presented by Veewinkel, the auction attracted around 220 attendees, with approximately 150 registered buyers taking part, including 50 who participated online.
By Jasper Raats, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
According to JP Smith, manager of Veewinkel, the level of interest from the industry was particularly encouraging. “It was an excellent showcase of top-quality animals, whilst also offering animals that enable new entrants to invest in the breed. There were a number of new entrants here, which is very encouraging.”
Females with proven genetics attracted the strongest demand throughout the sale. The top-priced lot was Harley, a three-in-one cow from Full Blood Genetics, sold with her bull calf and confirmed in calf to Phondo. She was sold for R2 million.
MJ Ernst, chairperson of the national Ankole Auction and information day committee, said the three-in-one category set the benchmark for the sale. “They performed exceptionally well and achieved an average price of R686 250 per lot,” he said.
Another highlight was Gucci from Saretha Schutte’s Kilima Horned Heritage, the highest-priced pregnant cow on offer, which was bought by Sias Boshoff of Amanzi for R1,6 million.
Oracle from Benella Ankole fetched R1,2 million, while Arabica from Fire Sky Ankole was the highest-priced pregnant heifer, selling for R1,05 million.
Among the open heifers Sirima from Ubhejane Ankole was the top performer, fetching R900 000, while Kenya from Ntaba Nyoni Cattle achieved the highest price for a bull at R260 000.
The auction also produced a new South African record for Ankole semen when two straws from the renowned bull Mr President of Lumarie Ankole sold for R100 000 each. The lot realised a total of R200 000.
Brandon Leer was the auctioneer.
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