Gwanda-based cattle breeder, Lingani Masuku, has made headlines after purchasing a prized Brahman bull for US$40,000 at a high-profile cattle auction held in Mt Hampden on Friday.
Masuku, emerged victorious in a competitive bidding war that drew hundreds of cattle farmers from across the country.bull, described by breeders as possessing exceptional genetics and structural correctness, is expected to boost Masuku’s breeding programme significantly.
This purchase comes after another Zimbabwean farmer, Collen Tafireyi of Sinyo Boran Stud, recently bought a Boran bull named Cyclone for a staggering R6.4 million (approximately US$355,000), setting a new African record for the most expensive bull. Cyclone was bred by South African brothers Jarren and Simeon Hurwitz of Hurwitz Farming and sold during their 10th Production Auction in Davel, Mpumalanga.
Cyclone is a son of the legendary Picasso GF 10-23—who was killed by lightning in 2022—and Cremora, a cow known for producing top-tier herd sires. Last year, Tafireyi paid R98,000 per straw for Picasso’s semen, underlining his commitment to acquiring elite genetics.
According to Farmer’s Weekly, Boran cattle are prized for their hardiness, fertility, and premium beef quality, making them highly sought after for both commercial and stud operations.
Jarren Hurwitz explained that Cyclone’s record-breaking price is rare and speaks to the bull’s superior pedigree and physical attributes. “From a structural and genetic standpoint, Cyclone is exceptional. When those traits align, you get unprecedented demand,” he said.
Sinyo Boran Stud celebrated the purchase, calling it a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s livestock industry. “We are humbled and incredibly excited. This is a testament to our mission to become Africa’s leading Boran stud,” read their social media post.
