Twelve producers participated in the 14 categories, which saw best ranchers scooping prizes.
The day kicked off with the adjudication exercise, which was followed by prize giving to best producers in various categories before ending with the auctioning of 130 beasts.
Mr Kevin Rae from Bulawayo won the prestigious champion’s steer and the A1 milk tooth prizes while Mr Mike Conolly of Figree won the champion’s pair trophy and the champion’s pen of five.

Mr Martin White of Figtree walked away with the champion’s pair of three prizes while Mr A King won the largest ox award.
Mr Connolly ruled the roost again in the B1 milk tooth, D1 milk tooth and C1 milk tooth and the A2 not exceeding two tooth categories.
Mr White dominated the B2 two tooth but not exceeding four tooth and the C2 two tooth but not exceeding four tooth categories.

Mr N King won the A3 exceeding two tooth but not exceeding four-tooth category.
There was fierce competition as farmers flexed their financial muscles in bids for the auction.

The prizes ranged from US$120 000 for an average 500kg beast and above.
In an interview during the event, one of the organisers of the event who is also an auctioneer, Mr Tony Oatley, said the show was conducted annually as part of efforts to improve farmers’ competitiveness in cattle ranching.

“This is an annual event. The adjudication exercise is done in consideration of cattle grades, size, weight and age,” said Mr Oatley.
“The best fed beast attains the super grade range. The objective of the event is to examine the genetics that farmers can use.

“Apart from feeding, farmers should consider breeding which is equally important. Animal husbandry cannot be overemphasised as farmers have to ensure that their cattle are tick free, are dehorned and have no internal parasites.”

The producers included Mr Rae, Mr White, Mr Conolly, the Bulawayo City Council run Aisleby Farm, Mr A King, Mr Moyo, G and G Feedlot, Mashura Feedlot, Mr R Ndlovu, Mr N Tshuma, Mr D Saudan and Bergaan Travel.
The event was supported by several businesses that include Rose Valley Butchery, Frontline Farming, Outback Safaris, Outspan Butchery, Heads and Hooves, Stanchem,                            Meva Implements, Mr King, Meadows Enterprises and Zeco Holdings.

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