Prominent Bulawayo farmer Sommer dies

The late Jeffrey Sommer with Mr Mcebisi Ndlovu (left)

MANY emerging commercial cattle farmers turned to the late renowned Brahman pedigree breeder, Jeffery Sommer, for genetics to improve the quality of their herds, as he offered bulls at reasonable prices.

This immensely contributed to the growth of the industry that had for decades been considered a preserve of a few established farmers.

Mr Mcebisi Ndlovu, the owner of Camen Brahmans based in Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province, said this at the burial of the late Sommer at Athlone Cemetery in Bulawayo yesterday.
Sommer died at Mater Dei Hospital on Sunday after a battle with cancer.

He was 70 and is survived by his wife Rifica and daughter Jamie.

Mr Ndlovu, who was very close to the late Sommer and considered him a great mentor who inspired many to reach for greater heights in the Brahman pedigree industry, said the celebrated farmer’s bulls were sold for an average US$2 500, a price that many emerging farmers could afford.

“Good quality Brahman bulls cost as much as US$10 000 each, which is a lot of money, especially for young black farmers trying to get into the Brahman pedigree business,” he said.

“Sommer’s bulls were affordable and he made it easier for us to go into the cattle business.
“A lot of upcoming black farmers who are successful Brahman pedigree farmers at one time or the other bought a bull from Sommer and his genetics are part of our success stories in the business,” said Mr Ndlovu.

The multi-winning Brahman pedigree breeder, Mr Ndlovu, has won awards such as the Junior Champion Bull category, Junior Champion Heifer, and Reserve Champion Cow at the Bulawayo Agricultural Society shows during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. Sommer was a key figure in the later history and development of the Brahman breed in Zimbabwe in 1979 and was a former president of the Brahman Breeders’ Society of Zimbabwe.

“I’m left with memories of a man who was more than just a mentor or a friend to me.

“He was a kindred spirit who understood my passion for Brahman cattle and as I reflect on his life, I’m reminded of his unwavering commitment to excellence, his generosity, and his infectious enthusiasm,” said Mr Ndlovu.

“He had a way of making you feel seen, heard, and valued, whether you were talking cattle or life. Jeff was colour blind when it came to race, treating everyone with the same respect and kindness.”

Mr Ndlovu said before his untimely death, the renowned farmer had a planned cattle sale for December 12, 2025.

“As farmers, let’s make a commitment to support the sale, not just as a tribute to Jeff, but as a testament to the values he taught us, values of hard work, integrity, and community upliftment,” he said.

“Let’s show that Jeff’s family is not alone in their grief, and that his legacy will continue to inspire us to build a brighter future for ourselves and our industry.”

President of the Brahman Breeders’ Society of Zimbabwe, Mr Dirk Odendal, described Sommer as a breeder whose invaluable expertise benefited both established and emerging Brahman pedigree breeders.

“I first met Jeffery in 1980 when he was instrumental in the further development of the Brahman pedigree breed a year before,” he said.

“In 1990, he took over the Peter Grant Holdings farms and continued working for the development of the Brahman breed.

“At its peak, the Peter Grant Holdings had a herd of over 23 000 cattle and was regarded as one of the top breeders in the country,” said Mr Odendal.

Hlango Ranch owner Mr Jairos Mahlangu said established farmers like Sommer made it possible for black farmers to penetrate the lucrative Brahman pedigree industry that is capital-intensive.

“My first Brahman heifers were from Sommer’s ranch and he constantly contacted me to find out about the health of the animals and offered advice on how we could succeed in the industry.

“When I had made enough money to afford a Brahman bull, I looked at none other than Sommer for my first breeding bull and I have never looked back since then.

“We have lost a man of great honour who contributed a lot to the growth of the industry,” said Mr Mahlangu.