Agra proudly announces the result of the 2023 Agra Weaner Championship Series, an event that has once again showcased the remarkable talent and dedication of Namibia's weaner-calf producers. The series, which commenced on 18 July 2023, spanned an exciting three-month period, finishing in a grand celebration of the winners.

Windhoek, Namibia –14 September 2023 – The 2023 Agra Weaner Championship Series concluded in grandeur, and we are thrilled to unveil the outcome of this highly anticipated event. The prestigious Gala awards ceremony was held at The Weinberg Hotel on 20 October 2023, marking the climax of this extraordinary journey.

Building upon the success of the previous year's format, the 2023 Agra Weaner Championship Series crowned not one, but three Agra National Weaner Champions, representing excellence in each of the three competition categories: Feedlot Potential, Veld Potential and Breeding Heifers.

The Series featured an impressive total of 20 auctions held across all commercial cattle-producing regions. In total, 12 340 weaner calves were sold during the 2023 series, compared to last year's 11 767. The highest number of calves presented was in Grootfontein with 2 298 weaner calves, followed by Gobabis with 2 045, Otjiwarongo with 1 236 and Aroab with 913. The highest per kilogram prices were paid in Otjiwarongo for Tolleys – N$41.74 per kilogram and for Heifers – N$42.13 per kilogram.

The Agra Weaner Championship Series continues to serve as a vital economic stimulus for Namibia's cattle industry, offering producers a unique opportunity to benchmark their production standards against their peers. This process fosters valuable relationships, encourages the consistent review and enhancement of management practices and fortifies the cattle industry as a whole.

An experienced and discerning panel of judges, committed to upholding the highest standards, ensured the integrity of the competition. The judging panel included experts such as Christo van Zyl, Lourens Swart, Norbert Neumann, and Danie de Lange from Feedmaster, alongside Paul Klein, Herman Lintvelt, and Fanie Cronje from Agra.

We are delighted to announce the 2023 Weaner Championship Series National Winners:
National Winner – Feedlot Potential
Mr. Joachim Cranz
National Winner – Veld Potential
Mr. Waldo Lottering
National Winner – Heifers with Breeding Potential
Mr. Eandro Lottering

This event, now in its 12th year, would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bank Windhoek our Main Sponsor, Feedmaster, Sanlam, Santam, AgriBank, Hino Indongo, Indongo Toyota, New Holland, Vivo Shell, Corporate Guarantee and MSD for their unwavering commitment to this significant initiative. We welcome three new sponsors namely, Gondwana, TrenTyre and Karan Beef, it is a privilege to have them join the Agra Weaner Championship Series.

Several communal areas, including Okakarara, Aminus, Okondjatu, and Talismanus, also participated in the competition. Agra, in partnership with Bank Windhoek have introducied a unique program for these emerging farmers this year. On 8 November 2023, a special Communal Training Day will take place in Gobabis. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony to recognize the most outstanding communal farmers in categories such as Feedlot Potential, Veld Potential, and Heifers with Breeding Potential.

The Agra Weaner Championship Series has become a beacon of diversity, showcasing the inclusive spirit of Namibia's cattle industry. We are proud to witness the expansion of auctions into previously underserved regions that are experiencing a surge in cattle production. Participants in the Agra Weaner Championship Series represent a broad spectrum of the industry, ranging from small-scale resettlement farmers to well-established commercial farmers. This diversity reflects the resilience and vibrancy of Namibia's cattle industry, which continues to thrive and grow.

As we reflect on another successful year of the Agra Weaner Championship Series, we celebrate the dedication and passion of all those who contribute to making this event a resounding success. We look forward to another year of growth, excellence and camaraderie in Namibia's cattle industry.

Photo: The Winners, Sponsors and Agra Auctions Staff of the 2023 Agra Weaner Championship Series.