By Matsobane Manaka
Meat traders, abattoir and feedlot owners, as well as other farmers with keen interest of the breed came out in numbers to bid.
Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) in collaboration with BKB Auction brought livestock auction market right to the doorsteps of farming community.
The makeshift auction kraal – meant to sell and buy animals - was constructed at Ga-Matodi stadium in Burgersfort, Sekhukhune District.
In welcoming address, Mpho Masemola, Deputy Director said the purpose to bring the auction to the community was to close the gap between the livestock farmers and the market including saving transport cost for accessing the facility at distance areas. Masemola advised farmers to sell their animals before winter season and drought strike in full swing.
This initiative of assisting livestock farmers with market access is taking place across all districts. South African Police Service, Stock Theft Unit in particular was roped in as part of the initiative to check compliance to hundreds of animals brought to the auction.
According to SAPS Captain Salome Ouma Lebele attached to Lebowakgomo Stock Theft Unit, their role is to further check the compliance on the farmers in line with section 6 (thus ensuring the animals belong to the owner) and check brand marking as well as section 8 document (thus document authorising transportation of animal from one point to the next).
Rian Ferreira, BKB Manager in Limpopo and Development Farming said the farmers get to understand the auction rules that will help them as reference in future.
The beneficiaries of the auction include meat traders, abattoir and feedlot owners, as well as other farmers with keen interest of the breed.
Ferreira indicated that farmers get access to a wide variety of animals to choose from ranging from breeds, ages and weights to meet their needs. He said this is in addition to compare the prices that will leading them to make informed decisions on which animals to bid on.
The auction serves as a platform for farmers to networking among each other and further exchange information on new techniques and strategies for managing livestock.
Farmers bring hundreds of their animals for auction.
