The second Xourel Limousins production auction held in Lichtenburg, North West, on 12 September marked an important milestone for the Limousin breed. Breeders returned to the auction ring for the first and only production sale of 2026 after a challenging year disrupted by the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Owned by Derick le Roux, Xourel Limousins is the original breeder of the renowned Limousin bull Xourel Italia (XRL 16 038). Italia was sold by John and Tracey Devonport of Devlan Limousins for R1.2 million in 2022, setting a South African record for a Limousin bull at the time.
Italia won the Limousin Champion of the World title for South Africa in 2022, further cementing its place among the breed’s most notable genetics.
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Balanced sale rewards buyers
The auction was praised for its balanced offering, giving breeders across the market an opportunity to acquire quality genetics at reasonable prices.
The top-selling bull was Lot 9, Tanganjika (XRL 21 146), which sold for R240 000. The second-highest-priced bull was Lot 2, the Herd Pick of the auction, which realised R170 000.
A total of 40 females were offered, with the top-selling female being pregnant heifer Lot 22, Bari (XRL 24 27), which sold for R80 000. The second-highest-priced female was Lot 70, Willow (XRL 24 56), a daughter of La Rhone Cavalier.
The total average for bulls (23) was R74 565. Pregnant heifers (28) averaged R36 500 and pregnant cows (12) averaged R36 667.
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Golden Heart trophy adds to auction
The Limousin Golden Heart Floating Trophy, introduced by the Limousin Cattle Breeders’ Society of Southern Africa as a symbol of gratitude, collective achievement and tradition during breed auctions, also attracted strong support, selling for R16 000.
Gratitude to the supporters
Reflecting on the sale, Le Roux expressed his appreciation to buyers and underbidders for their confidence in the Xourel programme.
“There are simply not enough words to say thank you. To every buyer who placed their trust in our genetics, thank you! To every underbidder, thank you for your confidence in our cattle. Your support means more than you know. From our family to yours … thank you for believing in the Xourel programme. We look forward to seeing what these genetics will achieve in their new homes,” said Le Roux.
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