By Maphuti Machabaphala
As the winter season steadily approaches, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with BKB, continues to support the farmers and community of Magatle and other surrounding villages in Zebidiela under the Capricorn South Agro Ecological Zone. Their efforts have created a safe and enabling environment for both buyers and sellers of livestock to participate in an inclusive large and small stock mobile auction.
On sight livestock auctions present numerous benefits for both buyers and sellers. They offer a transparent market, that allow for fair price discovery and efficiency in the sales processes. This conducive environment enables rural farmers to receive immediate payment and the opportunity to tap into niche markets, with additional advantages including risk mitigation, low costs of logistics, networking opportunities and fair market value for their livestock. The buyers in turn, gain access to a wide variety of small and large stock, valuable market insights, transparency and fair pricing, cost effectiveness, convenience and a platform for networking.
The recent auction featured 65 cows and 14 goats and 1 sheep brought through the gates of the auction for sale, with most of the animals sold to the highest bidder at a fair and honest price that is reflective of the current market value of the said breeds, with pricing taking into account key factors such as age, body score condition, disease outbreaks, gender, weight and the appearance of the animal (ticks, bruises, wounds or limping). In addition, strict biosecurity protocols were observed throughout the event, with Veterinary services and South African Police Service (SAPS) personnel present to ensure compliance with safety measures, contributing to a swift and successful auction experience for all participants.
The auction concluded with Mr Riaan Ferreira, a representative of BKB giving his thanks to the Department for the continued support and the efforts in facilitating the auction and ensuring it is a successful endeavour for the rural farmers. In addition, he encouraged the local farmers to continue buying and selling through accredited auctioneers because payments are immediate and guaranteed, transparency is non-negotiable, animals are well classed, access to market information is provided and an accumulation of animals attracts sellers to attend the auction while lowering the cost of logistics for the local small and large stock farmers.
