GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - What is the Summit Wildlife Auction, how and why did it originate, and what has led to its phenomenal success?
An overview of the Summit Auction must begin with the wildlife industry of South Africa as a whole. South Africa is one of only two countries in the world (the other is Namibia) where widespread private ownership of wildlife species is permitted. In other countries the state owns the wild animals.
This means that South African wildlife is uniquely prized and sought after. Going on safari to South Africa is something very special and the eco-tourism or hunting experiences on offer in South Africa rate highly, and the number of tourists continues to increase.
Within this broad framework lies the Eastern Cape.
The malaria-free Eastern Cape has become one of the most important growth nodes for the wildlife industry. Premier tourist parks and hunting lodges now abound. It was only a natural progression that land use patterns in the area would shift from traditional livestock to wildlife.
Enter Hennie Barnard. Hennie is passionate about wildlife, having spent 15 years up to 2005 flying his helicopter as part of a large game capture team. When he settled down to raise a family with Joan, his pretty erstwhile aerial dart-gunning expert, he established a highly successful game farm, Skietfontein, in the Aberdeen district.
Other local farmers, inquisitive about these unusual and beautiful animals he was raising, visited him, and in due course purchased and began breeding wildife of their own.
From this diverse group sprang the idea of an auction. In 2016 the Eastern Cape was not well served by auctions, particularly in the area around Graaff-Reinet, yet there were magnificent animals which had made their home there. Put these magnificent genetics with traditional Karoo hospitality and voila, you have a winning combination.
Chairman Neil Dodds and his team invite you to come on Saturday 29th September and be part of the growing success story that is the Summit Wildlife Auction.
The success of the inaugural 2016 auction exceeded all expectations. Particular mention was made of the Karoo braai, which guests enjoyed the previous evening. Also well supported was the auction itself the following day, where excellent prices were obtained.
The free insurance and delivery provided also helped to give buyers peace of mind. In 2017 the positive trend was continued, and under tough market conditions Summit was one of the few auctions to maintain a good turnover.
The auction has been giving back to the community. Two local charities, the Whitlock’s Care Centre in Jansenville and the Klipplaat Remedial Reading Project were both recipients of the generous proceeds of charity lots sold at the 2017 auction.
Now the 2018 auction is almost on hand.
The offering is even better than that of the previous two years, with excellent springbuck, gemsbuck, kudu, eland, buffalo and more. A complete catalogue of the animals on offer will be available before auction on Summit’s website www.summitwildlife.co.za
Chairman Neil Dodds and his team invite you to come on Saturday 29th September and be part of the growing success story that is the Summit Wildlife Auction.
Whether you are looking for absolutely top genetics, or simply wanting, at a reasonable price, to improve the genetics of your herd, Summit will have something for you.
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