The first 5 months of 2010 have flown by with normal dramas, drought, and thank goodness a strong calf and slaughter market

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Boet Venter, much revered livestock buyer in the Eastern Cape. He certainly will be missed on the sale circuit.

Prices of mutton and lamb have stayed very good since Christmas. The outbreak of Rift Valley Fever has added further pressure on supply as areas have been quarantined. The effect of the abortions due to the disease will only be felt in the market later in the year. Beef prices have also remained good and could go through the roof in mid winter. The Western Cape has had early rain so this could put a dampener on high prices, as many store cows have ended up there, as well as in the Free State.

The calf prices have steadily risen and the demand for good quality light calves is as intense as in 2006 when the feedlot industry was almost crippled for good. The low maize price and good rains up country has made feeding calves an option again.

Consumption of red meat is up, so prospects really do look good.

The feedlot industry has become very high-tech and traceability has become a reality. Many feedlots have now implemented very expensive micro chip technology where every calf can be traced back to the producer. There is going to be no place to hide inferior, poor quality, unhealthy calves. Interesting data to come out of the first trials are that male calves (castrated or intact) perform 15% better than heifers, calves from performance tested bulls are better, and the worst 10% of calves are the reason for 80% of financial losses incurred. The super feeder would be a weaned, healthy, male calf, weighing between 160-240kg, not in slaughter condition, dehorned, not branded, and bred from performance tested bull positive on growth.

The breeding stock market has been realatively quiet, with pregnant heifers and cows barely realizing more than the slaughter values. Congratulations to Umsenge Ngunis who had a cracker of a female sale in May, and also Hugh Collett who held a very successful Dohne Merino production sale. Our next dispersal is at Nieu Bethesda on 9 July for Mr. Howard Sheard where anything from Dohne ewes & lambs, to cattle, to tractors, to antique farming equipment will be sold.

The regular Hobson & Co auctions have gone from strength to strength, with both producers and buyers realizing the advantages of bigger sales. Congratulations to the Bathurst West farmers Association on their Charlgrove cattle auction where 1000 more cattle were sold in 2009 than 2008. Grahamstown, Bedford, Adelaide, and Graaff-Reinet have also shown good growth, whilst Cradock is slowly but surely gaining popularity.

The Bathurst Show was great fun although the drought did hamper the Fatstock sale. A Farmers day was held at the Winterberg club, Adelaide on 4 June, where there was a wonderful turnout of +- 75 farmers. Topics covered were vermin control, selection of breeding stock, feedlot matters and a demonstration of a dehorning device. Thanks to the club and especially Oggies & Rona van Vuuren, and the Wentzyl Families for all their help. Thanks also to Frontier Bonsmaras for their support.

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