Zebaldt Ngaruka 

Farmers who participated in the recent Epukiro Business and Agricultural Expo have expressed great satisfaction with their animals’ performance and exposure gained during the show held at Omaueuozonjanda in the Epukiro constituency of Omaheke region. 

AgriToday spoke to some of the livestock exhibitors about their various breed performances at the prestigious event. 

The Okanene Brahman Stud stable, which brought seven cattle to the event, scooped the biggest award when their bull named Pule was crowned the champion of champions. 

En route to winning the champion of champions title, Pule defeated popular Brahman bull Lucas of Ngurimuje Novengi and  Okahatjipara Brahman in the senior Brahman bull category. 

It was reserved by Vasana Ndjavera’s Simmentaler bull from Ovinjuru village in Epukiro constituency. 

Okanene Brahman Stud secretary Patricia Kapuu Korupanda said the family and supporters of their breeds are proud of their achievements. 

“This is a big achievement. Our cattle did very well, and we are positive going forward. Our next stop will be Gobabis and Windhoek Agricultural Show,” said Korupanda. 

She added that they put effort into preparing their animals for the exhibition, and it is good to get positive results from the show. 

“It is not an easy thing to keep the standard of our livestock in communal area, but with the help of God, we managed, and the road ahead looks bright. Our bull was a reserve champion at the Windhoek Agricultural Show last year, and we have maintained its standard since then,” added the secretary. 

Another farmer, Kausana Katjirua from Ezorongondo village, said he was satisfied with the performance of his young cow that defeated the champion cows from Otjinene Expo 

“I am very happy, and I played my cards very well, and I learned a lot from Otjinene Expo that my cow will be doing well in its homeground, Epukiro, and that happened,” said Katjirua. 

The youthful farmer emphasised that farming with quality animals is an ideal thing to do and added that he learned a lot from the agricultural shows. 

“I have become a judge of my own because these events are not all about competition but to know the significance of quality breeds and removing faulty animals from your livestock. We, the family, are happy that our progress in farming has improved and we can compete with the best in the industry,” said Katjirua. 

On his part, Ndjandje Ndjarua Kahuure from Eiseb Block said he is happy that his Simmentaler cattle managed to get places at the show, adding that he will improve his products based on the judgement from the judges. 

“I am pleased that both my young cattle won accolades here. I have learned a lot from Otjinene Expo, and I also won in Otjinene. This was a milestone and will continue improving on adding value to my livestock,” he said.

Otjimati goat farmer, Adam Kahengere Murangi, said his small stock did a tremendous job at Epukiro event as he received 13 major accolades at the event. 

“This was an amazing job from myself and my family. This achievement didn’t come on a silver platter but through hard work. I prepared well in previous shows in the region, and that polished me this far,” said Murangi. 

The farmer said his next step will be to showcase his products at this weekend’s Okakarara Trade Fair, Gobabis, and in Windhoek. 

“I am on my way to the Otjozondjupa region with 13 goats, and I will not come back empty-handed. I know my products very well, and the results from previous shows are positive,” he confidently said. 

A dog breeder from Ozombouvapa, Kambuari Katjirua, who made his debut at the event, said his greyhound dogs performed well at the show amid limited time to prepare them. 

“It was a great experience, and I am looking forward to the upcoming events. The show was more about gaining experience and will continue showcasing them. My dogs are in demand, and this show has helped with marketing them even more,” he said. 

-zngaruka@yahoo.com