Zebaldt Ngaruka
EPUKIRO - The first fully-fledged livestock auction that recently took place at Epukiro Pos 3 in the Omaheke region had most farmers smiling ear to ear, following a protracted dry spell that was followed by low prices.
The auction, which was organised by the Eastern Epukiro Farmers Association (EEFA) in collaboration with Omaheke livestock marketing giant Karoo-Osche, saw a combined number of almost 800 animals going under the hummer.
For most of the farmers who brought their animals, the prices were acceptable as they ranged between N$34 and N$35 for animals weighing between 130kg and 200kg, while weaners also posted good prices as well.
One of the farmers, Uaongasana Mujoro from Eiseb said he was happy with the prices on offer, as he had worked hard to keep his livestock in good condition during the tough dry season of the year. “We worked hard, we prepared them well, and they have attracted the eyes of the bidders, and I am very happy,” he said.
On his part, Okomumbonde-based traditional councillor for the Ovaherero Traditional Authority and veteran farmer (OTA) Vetiraije Katjaimo shared that it was a great initiative by EEFA to bring the auction to the constituency and give farmers access to the best prices.
“As a community leader, I’m happy that they brought the auction to our constituency and farmers got to benefit. We are somewhat still in a drought period and farmers might be relieved with the money they got here,” shared Katjaimo.
Meanwhile, an emerging farmer from Okatuuo village Pelson Pelee Hoveka said the auction is good for the development of the constituency but had some reservations of his own.
“We expected good prices, but there were already other four small auctions in our constituency before this auction and thus bidders were not able to come in numbers to compete for the cattle. The few bidders that came paid what they wanted. It is always better when they [bidders] are many,” said Hoveka. EEFA chairperson Naftalie Katjinduu Tjahuha thanked the farmers for coming in numbers, after having previously postponed the auction.
“Of course, problems will be there and EEFA is for the community. It does not have any intentions of disadvantaging its farmers. We will work hard to rectify all errors and apologise to the affected farmers in this regard,” he said.