Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
A Brahman bull fetched a jaw-dropping US$40 000 at the 57th National Breed Sale held at CC Sales in Mt Hampden just outside Harare yesterday.
This made it the top-priced animal at this year’s elite livestock auction, which ran under the theme, “Battle of the Breeds.”
The prized stud bull, bred by Pilossof Ruvale Brahmans and Beefmasters of Bulawayo, stole the show in a fiercely contested sale that drew top breeders from across Zimbabwe, each vying to showcase the country’s finest seed stock.
The sale also saw a Dorper sheep go under the hammer for US$4 300, the highest price ever recorded for the breed at the national event — a reflection of the strong demand for high-performance genetics.
Hosted by the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB), the annual event featured 140 elite animals, including 60 bulls, 68 heifers, six rams and six ewes, representing leading breeds such as Beefmaster, Boran, Brahman, Nkone, Simbra, Simmental, Tuli and Dorper.
ZHB general manager Dr Mario Beffa said the turnout and bids showed that livestock farming was embracing science and precision.
“We are seeing the cream of the crop,” Dr Beffa said.
“All animals were fully registered, DNA parentage-verified and performance-recorded. These are the genetics driving the commercial beef industry — and buyers responded with serious bids.”
Among the buyers was Mr Lingani Masuku, a renowned breeder from Gwanda, who placed the winning bid for the Brahman bull.
“This was a lifetime opportunity. I was not going to leave without that bull,” said Mr Masuku.
“He ticks every box — strong frame, great bloodline, proven performance. This is the kind of animal that transforms a herd.”
Government officials were not left out.
Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira, who officially opened the event, participated in the auction — going home with two Dorper sheep to boost his breeding stock.
“This kind of growth is strategic in meeting our Vision 2030 target of increasing the national herd to 7 million,” Deputy Minister Marapira said, noting that Zimbabwe’s stud livestock population has now surpassed 24 000 animals, supported by 220 breeders across 17 breeds.
Dr Beffa said the “Battle of the Breeds” theme was meant to celebrate the diversity and competitive edge of Zimbabwe’s stud industry.
The National Breed Sale is a flagship event under the Livestock Growth and Recovery Plan, which aims to improve genetics, strengthen resilience and boost productivity — especially among smallholder farmers, who contribute over 90 percent of marketed cattle.
Despite persistent challenges such as Theileriosis, Foot and Mouth Disease and stock theft, this year’s record-breaking sales reaffirm confidence in Zimbabwe’s livestock sector.
“The Brahman that topped the sale was not just an animal — it was a signal,” said one commercial buyer.
“Zimbabwean farmers are ready to invest in genetic excellence. The battle of the breeds has raised the bar.”
