In Mzansi livestock auctions play a vital role in helping farmers buy and sell their animals. But a lot can go wrong at an auction and every now and then, farmers may find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Food For Mzansi caught up with livestock auction experts to find out what farmers should know about selling and buying at auctions.
Before any sale takes place, buyers or sellers should verify the validity of the auctioneers and that they are registered with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (Apac). The objective of Apac as a self-sustaining regulatory body is to regulate and manage the occupations of fresh produce, export and livestock agents in South Africa.
Francois Knowles, the registrar of Apac, says there are standards and protocols in place when it comes to livestock auctions which farmers must adhere to.
“Failure by the livestock agent or auctioneer can result in Apac taking appropriate action such as legal action and even closure of an auction house, which is the last resort,” he says.
Spike in stolen livestock
Those partaking in livestock auctions ahead of the festive season, should be extra careful as there is an increasing trend in the number of stolen livestock being sold at legitimate auctions
According to Knowles, auctioneers have a responsibility to ensure that stolen livestock don’t make it into their auction rings. His advice is that auctioneers implement a traceability system when hosting these events.
“In addition to the current legislation, we have published biosecurity rules for livestock agents on 13 November 2020. These additional rules serve to focus on animal safety such as foot-and-mouth disease, but also serve to proactively identify all other diseases.
“Included in these rules are specific conditions that focus on animal ownership. If stolen animals are suspected, they must be quarantined and [the] assistance of the police must be solicited,” he explains.
Make sure the paperwork adds up
Louis Steyn, chief executive officer of Bonsmara South Africa, says that it is important for any livestock auction attendee to ensure that the auction is hosted by a reputable auction house.
“All reputable auction houses have paperwork requirements that any seller [at] an auction should obey. Animals that are being sold at an auction must be marked according to the requirements of the animal registrar with a brandmark or tattoo.
“So, if anyone take animals to the auction, their livestock must be marked with their registered mark and they must supply the documents that the mark is registered in their name,” Steyn explains.
According to him, one way to determine when cattle are safe to buy, is when the seller is able provide their brandmark certificates and it corresponds with what is marked on the animal.
“We also encourage that livestock that is being auctioned be accompanied by an official health certification from a registered veterinarian,” he added.
So while livestock auctions present a great opportunity for farmers to sell their livestock to the highest bidder, adhering to the rules and staying on the side of the law is of utmost importance, warns Steyn.
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