ADMA Agrishow wraps up another successful indigenous cattle breed sale

Zimbabwe's premier agricultural showcase has closed its doors until 2026, but not before making history with its strongest indigenous cattle sale yet.

The 9th ADMA Agrishow reinforced its position as Zimbabwe's biggest agricultural event, strategically timed mid-year to avoid clashing with regional competitors Nampo (South Africa) and Agritech (Zambia). Next year marks the milestone 10th edition.

Banking on agriculture

This year saw unprecedented participation from financial institutions, a development that caught the eye of Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon Vangelis Haritatos during his Saturday visit. The expanded presence of banking and finance players signals growing confidence in Zimbabwe's agricultural value chain.

Indigenous stars steal the show

Saturday's grand finale belonged to Zimbabwe's forgotten heroes: the indigenous Sanga Mashona, Nkone and Tuli cattle breeds. For only the second year running, these local champions had their dedicated annual sale, the only one of its kind in Zimbabwe. The results didn't disappoint.

Bulls lead the charge

ADMA chairman Marco Garizio and Zimbabwe National Indigenous Breeds Society (ZNIBS) chairman Mark Hook started proceedings before auctioneers Kevin Higgins and Frans Briers took command of a spirited bidding war between online and physical buyers.

The action started hot. Oldonyo Tuli Stud's bull (Lot one) from Tengwe opened at USD 4,750, setting the tone for firm prices throughout the day despite some Tuli heifers failing to meet reserves.

Six Tuli studs contributed animals (Solar, Atwell, Zimbo, Oldonyo, Muteta and Jambo), followed by Mashona bulls from established names Fertyline, Bluegums and Zviko, plus newcomer Machiki from Marondera making their debut at this year’s sale.

The day's joint top price also belonged to the Nkone. Umvutcha's bull also commanded USD 4,750. Umvutcha and Shangani Holistic Nkone studs this year joined established operations Have Hook Nkone and Pungeni Nkone at the annual ZNIBS sale.

Shortly after the sale, Umvutcha’s Troy Maidwell said: “This last week, Tara and I accompanied our Nkone cattle from Matabeleland to the ADMA Agrishow. We spent our time there talking to cattle enthusiasts alike, making new friendships and rekindling old ones. The show reached its pinnacle on Saturday morning when our cattle went on auction. A mixed bag of emotions, sad to see our animals getting sold, but happy to know that they would be moving onto new pastures.”

Sweet bonus round

Platinum sponsors Fivet added extra excitement with a "buy one, get one free" heifer competition for successful bidders - one heifer for each breed up for grabs with their buyer numbers entered into the draw. Winners walked away delighted with their bonus livestock.

Historic recognition

The inaugural Japie Jackson Memorial Trophy capped off the sale, awarded to the most functional heifer across all three breeds. Judge Stefan Buys selected Lot 53, a Bluegums Mashona Stud heifer bred by Maree Osborne of Macheke.

In a touching moment, Laila and Sienna Pole, the granddaughters of George Hulme from Pungeni Nkone Stud presented the stunning silver heifer trophy, crafted by renowned Patrick Mavros studio. Its three-sided base symbolically represents all three indigenous breeds.

“Thanks to George Hulme, for all his work in publishing Japie Jackson’s work in one book. Sales from the book and the group of donors have produced a stunning trophy. I am honoured to receive it, Japie lives on in our lives and we are so thankful for his knowledge and wisdom,” a delighted Maree Osborne said.

The buyers of the heifer, pictured holding the trophy with Maree, are the management team for Edson Maduwara, Farm 215, Ziyambe, Dorowa. They were equally delighted with this win and commented that they were thrilled to share that Lot 53, “bred by the incredible Bluegums Mashona Stud, stole the spotlight at the ADMA AgriShow ADMA 2025 Zimbabwe National Indigenous Breed Sale, earning breeder Maree Osborne and the Bluegums team the inaugural Japie Jackson Trophy.”

“We were truly fortunate to acquire this outstanding heifer at the sale - a shining example of what excellence in Mashona breeding looks like.”

“Congratulations to Maree Osborne and the entire Bluegums Mashona team on this well-deserved achievement. Thank you for entrusting us with such a remarkable animal. She represents everything we strive for at Farm215: balance, temperament, and elite genetics.”

“This moment is about more than a trophy, it’s a celebration of collaboration, breeding excellence, and the lasting legacy of Japie Jackson. Here’s to raising the bar - one heifer at a time!”

The message is clear: Zimbabwe's indigenous cattle are finally getting their due recognition.

The Dr Japie Jackson Memorial Trophy

The idea for this trophy originated from a book George Hulme compiled, "The Cattle and Veld Philosophy of Dr Japie Jackson," which features Dr Japie Jackson’s writings. This book was donated to support the promotion of the Zimbabwe National Indigenous Breeds Sale (ZNIBS), an event held annually at the ADMA Agrishow.

Subsequently, Hulme decided that the revenue generated from the book would be used to help fund a trophy, named the "Dr Japie Jackson Memorial Trophy," at the ZNIBS Sale.

This award is intended for the best heifers on show. It is a Floating Trophy that will be awarded annually, and hopefully for many years to come.

“Japie Jackson was a lifelong and staunch supporter of our Zimbabwean Indigenous Sanga breeds. These breeds aligned perfectly with his philosophy of keeping cattle and managing grazing most naturally and simply possible, thereby maximising the superior attributes of adapted Indigenous cattle and the natural veld.”

“It is profoundly fitting that a trophy in memory of this remarkable man becomes a permanent fixture of the annual ZNIBS Sale. His humble and practical approach to life, his unshakeable faith, his expert veterinary knowledge and ability, and his deep love for his country and its people collectively forged the iconic individual he was - a man so many of us admired and will always remember.

“I am immensely proud to be part of this initiative to honour a truly great Zimbabwean, Dr Japie Jackson,” Hulme said in closing.

* Many individuals contributed to making this trophy a reality, including Nigel Joscylin, Patrick Mavros Jnr., Fivet Animal Health, Oldonyo Tuli and Mashona Studs, Pungeni Nkone, Willie Swan, CC Sales, Have Hook Nkone Stud, and numerous others.

PRICES

Mashona

2 bulls. Top price USD 3,750. Average USD 3,625

10 heifers. Top price USD 900. Average USD 760

10 pregnant heifers. Top price USD 1,600. Average USD 1,300

Nkone

3 bulls. Top price USD 4,750. Average USD 3,583

2 cow and calf. Top price USD 2,800. Average USD 2,200

3 heifers. Top price USD 1,500. Average USD 1,175

6 pregnant heifers. Top price USD 1,400. Average 1,133

1 pregnant cow. USD 1,100

Tuli