The Agra Weaner Championship Series has successfully concluded its 13th edition, marking yet another year of excellence in Namibian cattle production. From Karasburg to Grootfontein, 15 auctions took place between 18 July and 22 August 2024, providing a platform for producers to showcase their exceptional cattle. Additionally, we hosted two auctions in the communal areas of Otjinene and Okakarara, continuing our commitment to supporting and engaging emerging regions.

The primary goal of the Agra Weaner Championship Series remains the same, to provide capacity-building opportunities for participating communities and to recognise top producers for their outstanding achievements. This series serves as both a significant cash flow stimulus for cattle farmers and a platform that incentivises excellence in weaner quality. Producers participating in the series have the unique opportunity to benchmark their production standards and management practices against their peers on a national level. The competition categories—Feedlot Potential (Tollies), Field Potential (Tollies), and Breeding Potential (Heifers)—offer an inclusive framework for evaluating Namibian weaner cattle. Standardised judging criteria ensure fairness and transparency, creating an even playing field for all participants.

In addition to honouring the top-performing producers, the series also recognises the buyers who contribute to the success of these auctions. Awards are given for the highest overall amount spent and the largest total number of animals purchased at each auction. This year’s competition reached its pinnacle on Friday, 18 October 2024, at the prestigious Agra Weaner Championship Gala, held at The Weinberg in Windhoek. Here, the regional and national winners were announced, celebrating the best of Namibian cattle production.

We are proud to present the 2024 Regional Winners:
Regional Winners – South:
• Karasburg (Feedlot): Mr. Henk Wessels
• Mariental (Veld): Mr. JH Knipe
• Samehaling (Heifers): Mr. AJ Smith

Regional Winners – Central:
• Summerdown (Feedlot): Mr. HW Heiser
• Gobabis (Veld): Phoenix Farming
• Summerdown (Heifers): Mr. HW Heiser

Regional Winners – North:
• Otavi (Feedlot): Mr. Eandro Lottering
• Outjo (Veld): Ishmiel Ouseb
• Otavi (Heifers): Mr. Eandro Lottering

National Weaner Winners 2024:
• Feedlot: Mr. HW Heiser
• Veld: Phoenix Farming
• Heifers: Mr. HW Heiser

The Agra Weaner Championship Series continues to foster inclusivity and highlight the exceptional quality of Namibian cattle. Achieving recognition in this competition requires unwavering commitment and adherence to the highest standards of farming and management practices.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous contributions make this event possible. The success of the Agra Weaner Championship Series is powered by the support of the following:
Main Sponsor:
Bank Windhoek

Co-Sponsors:
Feedmaster, Corporate Guarantee, Sanlam, Santam

Other Sponsors:
Indongo Toyota, Hino Indongo, Trentyre, Vivo Energy, Africa Commercial Vehicles: New Holland, Agribank, Rhodes, AfricaOnline, Gondwana, Kyron Agri, Karan Beef

Their unwavering support ensures that the Agra Weaner Championship Series remains one of the most impactful and prestigious events in Namibia’s agricultural calendar. We look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence in the years to come.

Photo: The Winners, Sponsors and Agra Auctions Staff of the 2024 Agra Weaner Championship Series.