On a mission former journalist shakes world with US$444 000 bull purchase

H-Metro Reporter

THE Zimbabwean farmer, who splashed a record US$444 000 to buy a Boran Bull at the weekend in South Africa, says he is a man on a mission to transform the cattle and beef industry in the country.

Collins Tafireyi (44), has found himself making headlines across the continent after investing a fortune into a bull at an auction in Mpumalanga, South Africa. He told News24.com that he expects the investment to bring in a profit after about three years. Tafireyi is a former sports journalist who transformed himself into a businessman and farmer.

Tafireyi says his vision is to make the Zimbabwean-bred Boran the best in the world while also playing a big part in rebuilding the country’s national heard.

“What I am doing is going to transform the whole cattle and beef industry in our country, and in a few years to come, Zimbabwe will be a hub of top genetics, not only the Boran but also Ankole cattle,” he told News24.com.

“We have our Ankole cattle herd still outside the country and plans are underway to bring it home to Zimbabwe.”

Tafireyi added: “Everyone wanted that bull. Every serious stud breeder needs a premium herd sire to ensure quality production of stud animals. Cyclone has joined Sinyo Borans to perform and concretise our position as the very best in Zimbabwe and Africa.

“We are already in the trenches, just to give you an idea of what we are doing, in 2023 we broke a record in the breed, and bought 12 semen straws of breed legend Picasso GF 10 -23, who happens to be the father of our newly-acquired bull Cyclone for R88 000 per straw. We have done a highly successful embryo project and are expecting the birth of more than 100 calves of highly valuable genetics (hotcakes in cattle breeding) and bloodlines beginning in late 2024. So, the plan is to breed high-quality animals in huge numbers for sale to Zimbabwean breeders and other farmers across the world.”

He thanked the Government for laying the foundation for farmers like him to pursue their dreams.

“The government did well in allowing the majority of Zimbabwean people to be involved in farming ahead of the minority. Great farming knows no colour of skin, and black farmers can also do well and match their white counterparts. I fully support the land reform programmes and they must benefit all progressive Zimbabwean farmers like myself. We have a sovereign right and obligation to put our country on the map and be the hub of top genetics across all breeds. We are already in it and we will achieve all our goals.”

Tafireyi’s farm is in Hwedza and he is leasing grazing land from other farmers while he awaits allocation of land from the government. (H-Metro/News24)