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It was pomp and fanfare at the event as farmers from Matabeleland region battled it out to win this year’s fat-stock show sale.
Twelve producers participated in the 14 categories of the show, which saw the best ranchers scooping prizes.
The day kicked off with the adjudication exercise, which was followed by the prize giving to the best producers in various categories before ending with the auctioning of 130 beasts.
These were 130 top quality pen-fed steers of which 70 were entered into the judging.
Agri-Auctions boasts of some of the best trophies in the cattle industry.
Mr Kevin Rae from Bulawayo won the prestigious Champion Steer and the A1 milk tooth prizes while Mr Mike Connolly of Figtree won the Champion Pair trophy and the Champion Pen of five.
Mr Martin White of Figtree walked away with the Champion Pen of Three prize while Mr A King won the largest ox award.
Mr Connolly ruled the roost again in the B1 milk tooth, D1 milk tooth and C1 milk tooth and the A2 not exceeding two tooth categories.
Mr White dominated the B2 two tooth but not exceeding four tooth and the C2 two tooth but not exceeding four tooth categories.
Mr N King won the A3 exceeding two tooth but not exceeding four-tooth category.
There was fierce competition as farmers flexed their financial muscles in bids for the auction.
The prizes ranged from $1 200 for an average 500kg beast and above.
In an interview during the event, one of the organisers, who is also an auctioneer, Mr Tony Oatley, said the show was conducted annually as part of efforts to improve farmers’ competitiveness in cattle ranching.
“This is an annual event. The adjudication exercise is done in consideration of cattle grades, size, weight and age,” said Mr Oatley.
“The best fed beast attains the super grade range. The objective of the event is to examine the genetics that farmers can use.
“Apart from feeding, farmers should consider breeding which is equally important. Animal husbandry cannot be overemphasised as farmers have to ensure that their cattle are tick free, are dehorned and have no internal parasites.”
The producers included Mr Rae, Mr White, Mr Connolly, the city council run Aisleby Farm, Mr A King, Mr Moyo, G and G Feedlot, Mashura Feedlot, Mr R Ndlovu, Mr N Tshuma, Mr D Saudan and Bergaan Travel.
The event was supported by several businesses that include Rose Valley Butchery, Frontline Farming, Outback Safaris, Outspan Butchery, Heads and Hooves, Stanchem, Meva Implements, Mr King, Meadows Enterprises and Zeco Holdings.
The management of Agri-Auctions wishes to thank all those who supported their annual event and look forward to seeing them more in 2012.
They would like to wish all their clients, old and new, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year and look forward to being of service to them in 2012.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter