The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Farming Reporter
THE country’s first goat stud breeders’ production auction sale held two weeks ago in Bulawayo has been described as a success.
The breeding goat production auction was organised by one of the country’s biggest small stock breeders, Mr Chris Grant through his Mzilikazi Kalahari Red Goat Stud’s Nkosi Breeders Club.
The auction which was conducted at Mystiques in Bulawayo attracted more than 200 people including 45 registered buyers.
The average price for indigenous does was $144 while that of Kalahari Reds was $350 with the highest priced Kalahari doe going for $650 while the highest priced Kalahari Red buck went for $1 610.
“As a first ever breeding goat production sale the response was outstanding . . . I believe the quality was up there and that’s why the prices were comparable to any goat auction in South Africa, and farmers want the best and that’s what they received,” said Mr Grant.
The Kalahari Red goat is a meat goat breed originating from South Africa. Many high quality meat goat breeds have been developed from South Africa.
The Savana and Boer goats are world famous breeds, and the Kalahari Red goat is a new addition to the list. It is a new breed in terms of recognition and the breed is becoming more popular and very important meat goat breed in South Africa, and other neighbouring countries. The name of the Kalahari Red goats is derived from their red coat and the Kalahari Desert, which spans the borders of Botswana, South Africa and Namibia.
Mr Grant said there are plans to have the auction held as an annual event.
“I think Nkosi Goat Breeders group has set the bar and now we will raise it next year with better quality, as we make strides in the industry and encourage people to farm with these beautiful animals…
“There will definitely be more production auctions to come. The timing is perfect, animals are in good condition, families are on holidays and the diaspora is around and it gives everyone an opportunity to attend,” he said.
One of the buyers Mr Caleb Makwara said there were many positives to be drawn from the auction.
“I think it was an eye opener for the people as it was the first of its kind. The event was generally positive, I bought about nine goats myself and the highest went for $1 610,” he said.
Mr Makwara’s sentiments were reiterated by another buyer, Mr Deon Grundling who, however, said there was a need for an improved performance by the auctioneer.
“The auction was very splendid although I think next time they should change the auctioneer, but overall it was a success, I think 100 goats were sold that day,” he said.
