ECONOMIC NEWS

Table 1: The game auction results of Quarter 1 of 2023 may be summarised as follows:

PERFORMANCE OF GAME AUCTION INDUSTRY: 2020 - March 2023

Data below focusses on actual animal (game) sales and excludes hunting, livestock and other tourism sales

The game industry is in many ways a leader when it comes to the innovative ways, with both live and timed auctions being held and online platforms playing a major role in its success. The online sharing of species’ genetic history and its productive records does much to build confidence amongst prospective buyers of animals.

Early indications are also that live auctions are extremely well supported. This allows for great interaction amongst role-players, which is so crucial within this industry. The diversity of offerings includes inter alia strong support to charity groups, which broadens and sustains the positive image of the industry amongst a wider net of stakeholders.

Although it is extremely early in the season to really evaluate which species will be doing well, some species did catch the attention amongst participants. Black impala rams and other colour variants continued its growing popularity, with common springbok, nyala, gemsbok,

For more information, contact Riaan Nowers: blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra also showing strong sales in numbers.

With SANParks also participating and thus willing to share some valuable genetic material amongst game ranchers, the private populations are stimulated and encouraged to expand its genetic diversity and vigour resulting in stronger herds with ultimate benefit not only to the rancher, but also to nature as a whole. The adaptability of species within regions and its ability to combat some diseases should never be underestimated.

From a value perspective it was quite surprising and refreshing to see how well plains game species, such as blue wildebeest and some impala categories, did. Waterbuck and unspecified sable antelope also performed exceptionally well and realised healthy prices. AP