Navigating livestock auctions can be overwhelming for small-scale and new-era farmers in South Africa. To provide valuable insights into livestock auctioning, KwaZulu-Natal-based agricultural consultant Ndumiso Gule shares essential tips on navigating the complexities of livestock auctions.
First of all, Gule says it is important to understand the legal framework surrounding livestock auctions. Farmers must be familiar with the Animal Identification Act, which mandates that each animal sold at auction must be branded to prove ownership.
“Each and every animal sold at the sale needs to have a brand which correlates or traces back to who the owner is,” Gule says.
Moreover, animals must be free of diseases, particularly foot-and-mouth disease, and pass visual health inspections before being auctioned.
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Preparing financially for auctions
Farmers attending auctions should prepare financially, whether purchasing or selling livestock. Gule advises buyers to either have sufficient capital or secure a loan before attending an auction. He highlights the importance of having a clear plan on how purchased animals will be used: whether for immediate fattening and sale, traditional slaughter, or breeding purposes.
“If you are buying animals for breeding, it’s a long-term investment, so you need to carefully select adaptable breeders for your environment,” he explains.
When it comes to assessing animal health and quality at an auction, Gule advises buyers to carefully observe the animals’ physical condition. He points out key indicators of a healthy animal, such as a shiny coat, alertness, and agility.
“We want healthy animals that, when you walk into a pen, they all look at you, they all move with agility,” he says.
Farmers carefully calculate how much they can afford to spend, factoring in feed costs and expected profit margins.
“People work out the cost of feed, the selling price, and then decide how much they can pay for calves,” Gule says, emphasising the importance of planning and budgeting.
In this episode, Gule also discusses:
- Common mistakes made at auctions;
- The value of mentorship and research and more.
Dive deeper into the episode and gain insights from the award-winning Farmer’s Inside Track, officially recognised as Africa and the world’s best podcast at the 2024 Digital Media Awards presented by WAN-IFRA, the global press organisation.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices)
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device
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