Brahman Bull Sold for US$40K at Mt Hampden Cattle Auction
A prized Brahman bull fetched a staggering US$40,000 at the 57th National Breed Sale held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at CC Sales in Mt Hampden, just outside Harare, making it the highest-priced animal at this year’s premier livestock auction.
Held under the theme “Battle of the Breeds,” the annual event brought together Zimbabwe’s top breeders in a fiercely competitive sale that showcased the country’s best stud animals. The record-breaking Brahman, bred by Pilossof Ruvale Brahmans and Beefmasters of Bulawayo, was the highlight of the day, drawing intense interest from across the sector.
Dorper Sheep Breaks National Price Record
Another standout was a Dorper sheep that sold for US$4,300 — the highest price ever paid for the breed at the national sale, signalling surging demand for elite livestock genetics.
Organised by the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB), the sale featured 140 high-quality animals, including 60 bulls, 68 heifers, six rams, and six ewes from some of the country’s leading breeds: Beefmaster, Boran, Brahman, Nkone, Simbra, Simmental, Tuli and Dorper.
ZHB general manager Dr Mario Beffa said the auction turnout and prices showed just how much Zimbabwean livestock farming is embracing technology and science.
He said the animals on sale weren’t just ordinary; they were elite stock, DNA-verified, fully registered, and with performance records to back them up. “This is the level of quality driving Zimbabwe’s beef industry forward — and the serious bids proved it,” said Dr Beffa.
Brahman Bull Sold for US$40K at Mt Hampden Cattle Auction
The man behind the record bid was Mr Lingani Masuku, a respected breeder from Gwanda, who secured the Brahman bull after a tense bidding war.
He made it clear he wasn’t leaving without it. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Masuku said. “The bull is everything: strong, top genetics, and proven results. An animal like this transforms your herd.”
Even government officials got involved. Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira, who officially opened the event, didn’t just watch from the sidelines; he joined the bidding and walked away with two Dorper sheep to add to his breeding programme.
He said the enthusiasm at the sale reflected broader national goals. “This kind of growth supports Vision 2030, especially our target to grow the national herd to 7 million,” he said, adding that Zimbabwe now has over 24,000 stud animals across 17 breeds, supported by 220 registered breeders.
Celebrating Breed Diversity and Farmer Confidence
Dr Beffa said this year’s theme, “Battle of the Breeds,” was a nod to the diversity, competitiveness, and rising standards in the stud industry, and was particularly meaningful for smallholder farmers, who supply over 90% of cattle sold in the formal market.
Despite challenges such as stock theft, Foot-and-Mouth Disease, and Theileriosis, the event proved that confidence in Zimbabwe’s livestock sector is not only intact, but also growing.
As one commercial buyer summed it up: the top-selling Brahman wasn’t just a bull, it was a statement. “Zimbabwean farmers are showing they’re ready to invest in top-tier genetics. The bar has officially been raised.”
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