The Hobson & Co Grahamstown Stock Fair has grown into the premium livestock sale in the area, starting off as an idea and now a thriving and widely acclaimed business.
The Hobson & Co Grahamstown Stock Fair has grown into the premium livestock sale in the area, starting off as an idea and now a thriving and widely acclaimed business.
Fifteen years ago, a group of Salem farmers spotted an investment opportunity in purchasing a large livestock scale as a potential money earner. Six local farmers associations clubbed together and bought the now well-known eightmetre diameter electronic scale.
From this the Grahamstown Stock Sale Association was born in 1996. As it grew, the Stock Owners Co-operative Ltd gave its full support and guidance.
High returns in excess of interest rates continued for approximately five years. In 2004 the co-op was liquidated, proving to be a definite setback or local farmers and returns on the scale came to an abrupt halt. The EPLA, committed to rejuvenating the Grahamstown Stock Fair, was approached and subsequently appointed as agents to conduct sales on behalf of the Stock Sale Association.
Paul Hobson, EPLA’s local representative at the time, saw a business opportunity with potential and so Hobson & Co was formed with Paul Hobson, Dave Cockroft and Andrew “Drix” White as shareholders. Livestock entries at sales began and have continued to grow each month.
Livestock are being brought in from further and further afield, drawing in more buyers. Competition has resulted in premium prices being paid and monthly stock fairs have seen up to 1 200 small stock and 500 cattle being offered.
Cash turnover at the December sale was in excess of R2-million. With a return on initial investment in excess of 100% in 2009, members of the Farmers Associations can only be smiling. Farmers assisting on a rotational basis with the smooth running of the sales, has created an excellent working relationship with the entire Hobson & Co team.
The neatness of the pens and surrounds and the professionalism with which sales are conducted forges great confidence in the business. Our sincere thanks go to Paul for his vision, drive and enthusiasm in the livestock business. His wish to partner livestock farmers and plough back funds into the community is greatly appreciated.
