NIEU-BETHESDA — The Hobson and Co annual Sneeuberg Cattle Sale once again took place on the farm Rietpoort, outside Nieu-Bethesda on May 16.
Organiser, Dave Stern, expressed that the sale was a huge success with 642 cattle being sold. Once again, auctioneers Hobson and Co undertook to transport large quantities of cattle to Rietpoort. A large number of buyers and sellers arrived from as far afield as Cape Town and East London.
Over the years, owners Doug and Liz Stern have created an excellent venue for the sale on Rietpoort. Kraals, pens and infrastructure including a large permanent scale, makes for easy management of the animals.
Those attending the sale are well looked after thanks to Liz Stern and her team’s excellent catering! The logistics of such a sale are massive. 15 trucks roll in from early morning, transporting cattle from far and wide. Staff, buyers and sellers are hosted throughout the day, children are catered for and Karoo hospitality abounds. The crisp, cold morning offered something for everyone – while farmers browsed through groups of cattle,
Diane Murray sold Tupperware, Julie Truter her beautiful Karoo Ranch Wear products, Blue Sky demonstrated their products and Dave Stern had 2-way radio systems on display. Karoo farmers are technologically advanced – live streaming of the sale was projected for viewing in the catering area, so attendees could nurture a fresh cup of coffee and delicious curry and rice while watching the proceedings!
The average price of an animal was R5800.
Standouts included:
• ‘light tollies’ which sold for an average of R30.25/kg
• ‘light heifers’ selling at an average of R27.32/kg
• ‘fat cows’ went for an average of R19.02/kg
• Bulls sold at an excellent average price of R20.42/kg
• Store cows sold at an average of R16.47/kg
Considering the average weight of a bull was 780kg, indications are high that this was an excellent sale! The heaviest bull weighed in at 810kg and sold for an impressive R17 900.
Dave Stern expresses huge gratitude to Hobson and Co. for the great job that they did at the auction as well as the good prices that they reached for the cattle. He also thanked Doug and Liz Stern for providing such an excellent venue and hospitality. An event such as this makes it very clear as to how Karoo people work together in unity for excellence.
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