By Jeremiah Ndjoze

The just concluded 2025 Namibia Genetics Auction saw the sale of 92 cattle, comprising 40 bulls, 52 heifers, and cows from 14 breeders – once again demonstrating the tenacity of local farmers and the resilience of the country’s agricultural sector. 
The Bank Windhoek sponsored event saw competitive bidding driving prices to impressive levels, with the highest-selling bull reaching N$157,000 and an overall average bull price of N$67,129, while heifers and cows also obtained strong returns, reflecting continued confidence in the future of cattle breeding in Namibia. The average price for heifers and cows was N$21,000.
The above, according to the events proponents, is indicative of the fact that the Namibia Genetics Auction is still a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural calendar, fostering growth, innovation, and the exchange of top-tier breeding material amongst farmers. 
“Consistent good quality genetics is the secret, and our association with Bank Windhoek ties in with that ethos,” the group’s Chairperson, Rynand Mudge, enthused on the side-lines of the event.  Mudge maintained that the auction “went well, with reasonable average prices for the bulls and females of all the breeds, and that attendance and the number of buyers registered were also higher than ever before.”

THE GROUP
Established in 2011, the Namibia Genetics Auction Group comprises 15 members specialising in seven cattle breeds. Based on membership, it is said to be the biggest cattle breeding group in the country, breeding bulls and cows best suited to Namibia's harsh environment. The Group holds two annual auctions, one in May and another in August.
Bank Windhoek's Acting Executive Officer of Retail Banking Services, Leon Koch, reiterated his institutions commitment to the agriculture and singled out the importance of this sector to the livelihoods of the masses, and further maintained that a future-thinking mindset prioritising sustainability is essential for agriculture. 
In its continued efforts to support this key sector, he said that between 2023 and 2024, Bank Windhoek spent approximately N$2 million on various agricultural sector initiatives. 
“The Bank also supports initiatives such as the Agra Weaner Championships, the Bank Windhoek Agriculture Series, and the Windhoek Agricultural Show, the National Youth Cattle Judging Competition hosted in collaboration with Feedmaster, the Namibia Agricultural Union and Livestock Producers’ Organisation projects and various small stock and cattle auctions across the country,” he said.
Koch also mentioned that Bank Windhoek has prioritised agriculture in its strategy, such as launching various products to support the agriculture industry, including a Sustainability Loan, which in 2024 disbursed N$407 million in projects, with N$25 million explicitly allocated to agriculture. 
“We recognise that our customers are the cornerstone of our success, and platforms like the Namibia Genetics Auction reaffirm our commitment to building lasting relationships,” said Koch.
Buyers who attended the Auction praised the variety and calibre of animals, emphasising the role of genetic improvement in advancing herd productivity and reinforcing Namibia’s reputation for excellence in livestock production.