Record R6.4 Million Ankole Heifer Sale Highlights Latest SA Agri News
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Farmersweekly.co.za reports that that the in-calf Ankole heifer Queen Arusha (NANK23 001) sold for R6,4 million at the Ntaba Nyoni & Friends auction at Phala Phala near Bela-Bela, Limpopo, on 3 October, setting a new South African record for a female animal across cattle breeds, according to JP Smith, COO of Veilingswinkel. Smith said the auction also produced a South African record for sexed semen across breeds, with two straws from the Ankole bull Optimus Prime fetching R250 000 each. Total auction turnover reached R22,5 million, with an average of approximately R490 000 per lot.
For new-era farmers, protecting young livestock is not only about reducing losses; it is an important part of building stronger herds, retaining replacement animals, and forging a pathway towards commercial farming. This was one of the key messages to emerge from predation management training hosted by the Mohair Empowerment Trust on 30 September for farmers in Robert Sobukwe Town (formerly Graaff-Reinet) in the Eastern Cape. The training focused on identifying problem animals, understanding the causes of livestock losses, and using appropriate management methods, while maintaining a healthy balance with the natural environment.
And… Lower feed costs and improved grazing are bringing relief to South Africa’s livestock farmers, but better production conditions are not translating into the same price trends across the industry. Absa’s AgriTrends Spring 2026 report points to improving conditions in South Africa’s livestock industry following the 2024 drought and the disease outbreaks that disrupted production and trade during 2025 and 2026. Favourable rainfall has improved grazing across key production regions, while abundant maize supplies and lower feed costs have supported producer margins. These conditions are giving cattle and sheep farmers an opportunity to rebuild breeding herds depleted or placed under pressure during the drought.
For more news and trusted information about agriculture in South Africa, visit farmersweekly.co.za
For new-era farmers, protecting young livestock is not only about reducing losses; it is an important part of building stronger herds, retaining replacement animals, and forging a pathway towards commercial farming. This was one of the key messages to emerge from predation management training hosted by the Mohair Empowerment Trust on 30 September for farmers in Robert Sobukwe Town (formerly Graaff-Reinet) in the Eastern Cape. The training focused on identifying problem animals, understanding the causes of livestock losses, and using appropriate management methods, while maintaining a healthy balance with the natural environment.
And… Lower feed costs and improved grazing are bringing relief to South Africa’s livestock farmers, but better production conditions are not translating into the same price trends across the industry. Absa’s AgriTrends Spring 2026 report points to improving conditions in South Africa’s livestock industry following the 2024 drought and the disease outbreaks that disrupted production and trade during 2025 and 2026. Favourable rainfall has improved grazing across key production regions, while abundant maize supplies and lower feed costs have supported producer margins. These conditions are giving cattle and sheep farmers an opportunity to rebuild breeding herds depleted or placed under pressure during the drought.
For more news and trusted information about agriculture in South Africa, visit farmersweekly.co.za
