“Boran Cattle” has become the talk of the town following a record-breaking purchase in August 2024. A Boran bull named Cyclone BH 18 749 made history when he was sold for an astonishing R8 million—the highest price ever paid for a bull in South Africa.
Hurwitz Farming's 10th production auction in Davel, Mpumalanga, set the stage for this historic moment, where Collen Tafireyi, owner of Sinyo Boran Stud in Zimbabwe, successfully acquired the mighty bull.
Tafireyi remarked, “It is not about the price. It is about getting what I want and building the stud of my dreams.”
The ambitious farmer aims to breed the finest Borans in Zimbabwe, with Cyclone playing a pivotal role in improving breeding quality. Tafireyi is no stranger to the Hurwitz family, having purchased most of his foundation Boran cattle from them in 2021.
For Tafireyi, it was love at first sight. He was determined to purchase Cyclone when he first saw him in early 2024, but the bull was unavailable at the time. When Cyclone finally went up for auction, Tafireyi made an offer he simply couldn’t resist.
Tafireyi has since expressed his admiration for the Hurwitz brothers, saying, “Hurwitz Farming is a role model for us.” His trust in their farming methods solidifies a partnership that continues to shape his dream of building an elite Boran stud in Zimbabwe.
The Rise of the Hurwitz Brothers
The success of Hurwitz Farming has largely been attributed to brothers Simeon and Jarren Hurwitz, who have propelled the agricultural organisation from strength to strength. In fact, they own the world’s largest Boran herd and are considered leaders in the breed.
However, this wasn’t always the case, with the brothers starting out as professional accountants with very little experience in the world of farming.
Their shift into the world of cattle breeding comes down to one simple word - family, something that still holds true today. Their grandfather, Dr. Barney Hurwitz, was a pioneer of the Boran cattle breed in South Africa, and his passion for farming and legacy of innovation inspired them to continue building on the foundation he had already laid.
When Simeon and Jarren first took over the farm, they inherited a small herd of unregistered Boran cattle. Initially, they diversified by experimenting with other popular breeds, including Brahman, Simmentaler, Santa Gertrudis, Simbra, and Boran. However, managing multiple breeds with varying requirements quickly proved inefficient and unsustainable. Realising they wouldn’t 'reinvent the wheel' by competing with some of these well-established breeds, they decided to refocus their efforts. Despite initial doubts and economic challenges, the brothers recognised the Boran’s exceptional adaptability, resilience, and market potential—qualities that stood out even as critics questioned their decision.
While the brothers’ investment in the breed made economic sense at the time, the Boran soon saw a decline in popularity, with Simeon describing this period as an 'embarrassment for the farm.’
Despite the challenges and skepticism, the Hurwitz brothers persisted with their vision for Boran farming.
The Boran: A Breed Built for Success
Originating from East African countries like Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, the Boran breed has evolved to thrive in harsh climates, making it an ideal choice for South Africa's diverse and often challenging conditions. Additionally, Borans are a low-maintenance breed with natural tick resistance, significantly reducing the reliance on costly chemical treatments.
These exceptional traits are further enhanced by the breed's high fertility and small, fast-growing calves, ensuring efficient reproduction and quicker returns for farmers.
Despite the breed's initial setbacks, its demand continues to grow, steadily gaining momentum and achieving greater success, as demonstrated by the record-breaking price fetched by Cyclone. This growing appeal is further fueled by the breed's calm temperament and intelligence, making them easy to handle and reducing stress for farmers.
Discovering Cattle Auctions Across South Africa
Online platforms have not only played a pivotal role in livestock trading, but connecting buyers with relevant cattle auctions across South Africa. With easy access to auction listings, potential buyers can engage with auctioneers and review detailed animal information, streamlining the buying and selling process for farmers.
As technology continues to evolve, buyers can now browse a wide variety of cattle auctions from the comfort of their homes or farms, gaining access to a broad selection of breeds and cattle at competitive prices. This accessibility helps both experienced and new farmers make informed decisions.
Auction Calendar stands out as a reliable resource for farmers seeking to discover cattle auctions across South Africa. We provide up-to-date listings and a user-friendly interface, ensuring buyers never miss an opportunity to access livestock and unique breeding stock.
Whether you’re looking to improve the genetic material of your cattle or expand your herd, Auction Calendar is here to help you find the latest cattle auctions!
