A reflection on the performance of the game auction industry during 2018

by Riaan Nowers

DDuring a radio talk on RSG earlier in the last quarter of 2018, it was suggested that the game industry moved towards a more rational level of performance during 2018. This analysis resulted from years of monitoring the game auction industry’s performance as well as individual species’ performance through prices achieved. It was speculated that in 2018:

• there would be more auctions than in the previous year;

• the total turnover could be more than 45% lower than in 2017;

• the turnover per auction would be about 40% lower;

• about 20% of the available animals as well as lots would not be sold;

• the average turnover per animal would be the lowest since 2008;

• the number of animals (38 483) should come close to the levels of 2016 and 2017; and

• the prices of colour variants would decline drastically and the numbers of these animals would be about 10,5% of the total animals sold on auctions.

A final analysis of the industry by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture supported the above predictions. The year 2018 indeed showed some interesting facts:

142 (3,6% increase)

R684 989 664 (36,9% decrease)

R4 823 871 (39,1% decrease)

45 667 (3,7% increase)

R15 000 (39,1% decrease)

86,2%

88,7%

10,6%

* These statistics were only available during 2018 and will be monitored as an indicator in future.

Figure 1 below depicts the numbers sold during 2017 and 2018 and clearly shows which species were the most transacted. Roan and sable antelope, as well as golden and black wildebeest, showed healthy sales in terms of numbers and it is predicted that this will remain so during 2019.

What is encouraging, is the fact that the genetic quality of species continues to improve and this bodes well for the industry. The auction industry also impresses by the way in which it brings innovation into the market place, which truly energises the broader industry. Finally, the industry also proved its outreach towards the economic empowerment of designated groups and its willingness to share profits with its neighbouring communities. AP