Review of Boran Society annual production sale

The Zimbabwe Boran Breeders Society’s ninth annual production sale held at the end of June was a resounding success, showcasing the outstanding performance and growing popularity of this African breed within the country. The event not only highlighted the quality of Boran cattle but also their suitability to Zimbabwe’s harsh cattle rearing environment.

Performance of Boran cattle in Zimbabwe

The Boran breed is increasingly recognized for its resilience, adaptability, and superior beef quality, making it an ideal choice for Zimbabwean farmers. This year’s sales figures indicate a significant increase in demand, with sales figures surpassing expectations compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to the breed's ability to thrive in local conditions and its efficiency in meat production, which is crucial for both local consumption and export markets.

Several key factors contributing to the success of Boran cattle include:

High yield: Borans are known for their excellent feed conversion rates and high carcass weights, providing farmers with greater profitability.
Hybrid vigour performance: Cross breeding Boran with commercial beef cattle has seen remarkable results in fattening and feedlots, thanks to the hybrid vigour that Boran cattle bring to commercial herds.
Disease resistance: This breed exhibits strong resistance to common diseases, minimising losses and increasing overall herd viability.
Adaptability: Boran cattle are well-suited to Zimbabwe’s diverse climatic conditions, making them a reliable choice for farmers across the region.

The ZBBS committee has also, over recent years, played a pivotal role in promoting the breed and enhancing its visibility among potential buyers. Their strategic marketing efforts have been instrumental in the success of the recent sale. Some of these efforts are listed below:

Targeted outreach: The committee engaged in targeted marketing campaigns, reaching out to local farmers to showcase the benefits of Boran cattle.
Educational field days: By organising field days and training sessions, the committee continues to educate farmers about best practices in cattle rearing, focusing on the advantages of investing in Boran genetics.
Social media promotion: The use of social media platforms to share success stories, testimonials, and educational content has broadened the reach and appeal of the Boran breed. This digital engagement has attracted a younger demographic of farmers eager to adopt innovative agricultural practices.
Strategic partnerships: Collaborations with cattle feed companies and veterinary services have enhanced the breed's credibility.

The sale featured top-quality Boran bulls and heifers, with a focus on superior genetic traits that enhance productivity. The event effectively highlighted these animals' pedigree through two well-organized presentations prior to the sale: first by Jessica Phathela of Ntaba Nyoni Boran Stud in South Africa and the second by Francois Smit, president of the South African Boran Breeders Society.

Platinum sponsors Feedmix generously came to the party, offering prizes of winter blocks to both the buyer and seller of the lot which achieved the highest price in each category:

Highest-priced bull sold by Have Hook Boran
Highest-priced pregnant cow sold by Panganayi Boran Stud
Highest-priced cow-and-calf sold by Langton Boran Stud
Highest-priced pregnant heifer sold by Have Hook Boran
Highest-priced heifer jointly achieved by MC Van Straten and Langton Boran Stud.

The recent Boran breeders sale is a testament to the growing success of the Boran breed in Zimbabwe, driven by its inherent advantages and the supportive role of the society’s committee. As the demand for quality beef continues to rise, the Boran breed is poised to play an increasingly important role in the country's agricultural landscape. With ongoing commitment to education and outreach, the future looks promising for both the breed and the farmers who invest in it.

The sale, now fours years on from the inception of the online sales platform, once again combined physical and live stream online formats. Demand from local and international buyers saw prices climb and this year, for the first time, online bidders successfully bid against physical bidders present at the event.