During the first week of Agra’s weaner auctions 7,200 weaners were sold for N$ 21,3 million. About 12,000 weaners will be sold during this year’s series of weaner auctions, slightly more than 2005 (11,229). At last Friday’s auction at Gobabis, where 1,800 calves were sold, prices jumped to N$16.35 per kg for "tollies". At preceding auctions held at Outjo, Otjiwarongo, Rehoboth and Grootfontein, weaner calves came fetched up to N$15.50 per kg. This compares very favourably to the 2005 weaner auctions, were prices averaged just under N$9 per kilo compared to this years’ anticipated average of about N$14 per kg, an increase of 55%. Should the remaining nine weaner auctions before the end of the month remain at this level, prices per head are expected to average N$2,940 in 2006 compared to N$1,890 for 2005. The weaner auctions started during mid July and will end on 24 August.

According to Pieter Hugo of, it is anticipated that the turnover of the remaining 9 weaner auctions hosted by Agra this month add another N$12 million to the N$21 million achieved during the first auctions by Agra, the largest livestock auctioneer in Namibia.

According to Kiep Lepen of Agra, weaners sold were generally of high quality. Participation at the annual weaner breeders’ competition was very good, he added. In addition to numerous regional prizes for the various sub-categories, the overall winner of the weaner auction will receive a cash prize of N$6 000 as well as 20 bags of cattle lick.