LAST Tuesday saw approximately 40 stud cattle and 60 commercial heifers of Hueston Groenewaldt and his father, Ernst, on auction.
As part of the well-attended auction outside the capital, there were 11 white Brahman bulls, eight red Brahman bulls, ten white stud heifers, 25 white commercial heifers, 25 Brahman crossing heifers and six Simbra commercial heifers.
The auction was their fourth in their series of the ‘Simply the Best Brahman Auction’. However, this time it was the first in their newly erected Afri Dome halls between Windhoek and Okahandja close to Umti Lodge.
It was an indoor event with gas heaters and pea soup, beating the winter.
Groenewaldt junior started farming with Brahmans in 2008, while his father Ernst has been at it for the past 15 years.
Hueston Groenewaldt says there was no doubt in their minds about which type of cattle to farm with.
“Brahman is a very tough and adaptable cattle race with lots of strength for cross-breeding. [A total of] 75% to 85% of all animals on auctions are Brahmans or Brahman crossings.”
A top bull, Piet, was purchased for N$74 000 by Lesley Hindjou, while a heifer, Nicolene, went to Duane Dowie for N$17 000.
Hueston Groenewaldt was reluctant to disclose the total value of the auction.
“We prefer not to disclose the turnover of the auction.”
He says their next auction is scheduled for October this year. At this occasion, 15 Boran bulls, 10 Brahman bulls and 30 Brahman heifers will go on auction.
According to him, the venue Afri Dome is a location for auctions that can be used by any agency. Any livestock can be auctioned here, including catalogue game. “Huge plans are already in the pipeline about which we are very excited.”
He reveals that negotiations with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry are underway to also host practical and theoretical agricultural courses at this venue.
Phase two of the development kicks off immediately and will be completed before the end of the year, Groenewaldt says. Here the semen of bulls and rams will be collected for possible export for artificial insemination elsewhere, he lets the cat out of the bag.
The trend is moving for a facility where in vitro fertilised embryos will be inserted into ewes and heifers, he says.
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