On Friday the 7th of May 2021, in the heart of the Bushveld, on the farm Doornpan 45 km from Roedtan in the Limpopo province, the Vlakte Bonsmara study group held their auction. It was a huge success where top animals, 23 bulls and 300 female animals respectively, came under the hammer.

The auction registration started early with cattle farmers queuing up too scared they might miss something. Welcomed with open arms and warm hearts with a traditional bowl of porridge and kaiings for breakfast, mouths shiny eaten of all the fried fat with the bulging of calves in the background.

These are the things that make one childishly excited and nostalgic again. Few things as cheerful as a packed auction ring where avid buyers loudly pursue the Red Breed’s prices. The day was filled with chatting, laughing, buying, and socialising.

The Vlakte Bonsmara study group consists of 20 breeders who breed top-quality medium-frame Bonsmaras in the north-eastern region of South Africa that will most definitely ensure an excellent contribution to any cattle farm. The group was founded and established thanks to several forward-thinking Bonsmara breeders in this district.

The study group’s motto “as good as stud” is essentially a great motivation to pursue only the highest feasible standards. The bulls and female animals that were on offer at the auction spoke for themselves. The study group usually hosts three auctions every year. Apart from the weaner calf auction in July, the production auction in May (mainly focused on female animals with a good offer of bulls) and then the traditional bull auction in October, where a good combination of top bulls and female animals is offered.

The interest in the Bonsmara breed was rekindled here at the auction. Functionally efficient animals, which make the breed extremely sought after and proved themselves once again at auction. Good pigmentation around the eyes, udders, and claws. Smooth skin, sturdy legs and hooves and excellent maternal qualities.

The prices achieved at the auction reflected the top-quality bulls and commercial female animals that were offered. An excellent turnover of R6 175 500 was achieved at the auction. The auction was hosted by Vleissentraal Bushveld, Mike Killassy was the auctioneer. The auction was also hosted online by SwiftVee.

Auction results:

• Highest price bull: Lot 10, R200 000 (Seller: André van der Heyde of Boschoek Bonsmaras)

• Highest price pregnant heifers: Lot 78, R49 000 (Seller: Tian Kruger of TKB Bonsmaras)

• Average price bulls: R65 375

• Average price pregnant cows and calves: R22 682

• Average price heifers: R15 118

• Average price cows and calves: R22 682

• Average price pregnant cows: R20 600

• Average price pregnant cow and calf: R30 744

• Average price pregnant heifers: R25 826

Congratulations to all the sellers and to the buyers who walked away with top animals. With the amazing result of the auction through these actions, the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders’ Society is committed to making a positive contribution to the promotion of a balanced environmentally friendly beef-cattle industry, and to ultimately support its members in viable business endeavours.

For more information on the Bonsmara Breed, contact the Bonsmara Breeder’s Society at +27 (51) 448 6084 or send an e-mail to info@bonsmara.co.za. Visit their website at www.bonsmara.co.za.