Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
A SOMBRE atmosphere hung over Northend Cemetery in Bulawayo on Tuesday as family, friends and the who is who of the livestock breeding world gathered to bid farewell to one of Zimbabwe’s most respected Brahman pedigree breeders, the late Jeffery Sommer.
Sommer, who died at Mater Dei Hospital on Sunday, was 70. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
To many in the cattle game, Sommer was not just a farmer. He was a walking library of Brahman knowledge, a mentor, and a man whose name carries weight in auction pens and farming symposiums across the country.
He was instrumental in the development of the Brahman breed locally around 1979. His passion for the animals saw him serve as president of the Brahman Breeders’ Society of Zimbabwe, grooming both established ranchers and up-and-coming breeders.
Current Brahman Breeders’ Society president Dirk Odendal could not hide his admiration when speaking at the burial.
“I first met Jeffery in 1980. At that time he had already played a crucial role in shaping the Brahman pedigree breed in the country. In 1990 he took over the Peter Grant Holdings farms and pushed the development of the Brahman even further,” said Odendal.
“At its peak the Peter Grant Holdings herd had over 23 000 cattle and was considered one of the top breeders in Zimbabwe. Jeffery’s expertise benefited everyone in the industry from the biggest rancher to the young farmer starting with just a pair of heifers.”
Mourners described Sommer as a humble man who preferred the company of animals and open veld to microphones and cameras. But his work spoke for him.
“Jeff was the type who walked into a pen, looked at a bull once and could tell you its entire potential. That is rare,” said a long-time colleague.
The Brahman fraternity says it has lost a pillar. The cattle industry says it has lost a compass. His family says it has lost its rock.
And Zimbabwe has lost one of its finest cattlemen.
