ZIMBABWE continues to make strides in the livestock sector, with a prized Brahman bull fetching a record-breaking US$40 000 at this year’s National Herd Book Sale held in Mt Hampden on Friday.
The bull, noted for its exceptional pedigree, was purchased by Mr Lingani Masuku, a commercial cattle breeder from Gwanda, following a tense bidding contest involving hundreds of farmers from across the country.
“I am happy to buy this unique bull, last year I bought the best bull at US$22 000, but this one I pumped our US$40 000, buying such a bull it is not about looking for quantum or size but the high quality pedigree, which can produce the best for the common market,” he said.
This year’s event saw a significant turnout from indigenous farmers, most of whom are beneficiaries of the land reform programme, highlighting Zimbabwe’s ongoing agricultural transformation and inclusive economic empowerment.
“We are happy to be part of this year in, year out, the indigenous farmers are turning out to dominate this. These are the results of black empowerment that the President Emmerson Mnangagwa is talking about. If you want to preserve your wealth and at the same time make money, cattle breeding is the way to go,” Cattle Breeder, Mr James Chiwera said.
“The game of cattle breeding was a preservation of white farmers and man at large, but as women, nothing is impossible. I have bought a Bull here competing with all men, so my message is to women out there to venture into Cattle and make money,” Commercial Cattle Farmer, Ms Cleopatra Nyahora said.
Officiating at the auction, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Davis Marapira, announced plans to roll out the Presidential Rural Cattle Breeding Scheme, aimed at empowering rural communities.
“This year, breeders have demonstrated that Zimbabwe is on the right path to regain its regional and world status as the best cattle Breeders – what we want is to cascade this breeding concept to rural areas so that they revive their herd under the Presidential Rural Cattle Breeding scheme to be launched soon,” he said.
The event featured high-quality cattle and sheep breeds, including Boran, Brahman, Simbra, and Thuli, with a strong emphasis on genetic improvement and commercial viability.
Zimbabwe currently aims to increase its national herd from six million to 12 million over the next decade as part of broader efforts to enhance food security, wealth creation, and rural development.
