Mhanga Couple Buy Record-Breaking Red Brahman in Botswana Auction for US$20K
The amazing Matake Ranch couple
By Fanuel Viriri
A Zimbabwean stud – Vincent Brahman Stud has set a new Botswana record after buying the top red Brahman bull for R340 000 (US$20,408).
Vincent Brahman Stud is run by husband and wife team of Vincent and Sithembinkosi Mhanga of Matake Ranch in Somabhula, bought the bull, Wayside Vincent WB 22-372, at the annual Wayside Brahman production auction near Francistown. The price is a new Botswana record for a red Brahman bull.
The overall top price on the day was for a grey Brahman bull, Wayside Rip Manso WBS 22-888, which sold for R445 000 (US$26,711) to Gabana Breeders of Botswana. This is also a Botswana record for a grey Brahman bull.
The auction was hosted by Stockman Choice, owned by Nico Vos and his family, on the Munger family farm near Francistown.
Grey bulls averaged R127 000 (US$7,623), grey cows R69 000 (US$4,141) and semen R2 400 (US$144) per straw.
The highest-priced grey cow, Ms Esto GBS 14-38, fetched R132 000 (US$7,923). The highest-priced cow with a calf, Ms Bronson WBS 21-830, sold for R54 000 (US$3,241), while the top 3-in-1 cow went for R84 000 (US$5,042). The top semen price for grey was R3 600 (US$216) per straw from Dollar WBS 22-931.
Red bulls averaged R137 500 (US$8,253), red cows R51 000 (US$3,061) and semen R2 500 (US$150).
The highest-priced red cow, Boslady WB 18-160, sold for R66 000 (US$3,961). The top cow with calf, Ms Titan WB 239, fetched R46 000 (US$2,761) and the top 3-in-1 cow, Ms Express WB 19-194, sold for R72 000 (US$4,321).