THE Sheik of Qatar continued his cattle buying spree in the South West last week.
As revealed in last week's Farm Weekly the Sheik, Mishal Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, surprised the crowd at the recent Bardoo and Elgin Park Charolais bull and female sale turning up in a black SUV, with minders and representatives in tow.
At the sale, he paid the top price of $10,750 for a bull and $4750 and $4250 for unmated females.
Representatives of the Sheik then attended the Elders Boyanup weaner sale last Friday where they purchased 40 Charolais heifers.
They paid to a top of $1162 (292c/kg) for a pen of eight heifers that weighed 398kg and were offered by P & A Alexander, Coolup.
They reportedly paid for their purchases in cash at the sale.
Elders commercial livestock manager Tom Marron was advising the Qatar buyers at the sale.
He said initially the cattle would be agisted on a property in the South West.
"I think it was an exploratory expedition to put their toe in the water and have a look around," he said.
"They had already taken some cattle back to Qatar on a boat a few months before, so they are interested in the breed."
Mr Marron believed they were seeking quality registered heifers to fly them back to Qatar to breed from.
"I think they were here to understand the market better, look at some property and the opportunities that may be around," he said.
"We have had a lot of international interest in livestock this year, from the Chinese and others.
"There has been a lot of activity overseas for our commodities, for both sheep and cattle, but the demand could possibly outstrip the supply."
Bardoo Charolais stud principal Barry Bell said it was surprising to receive the international interest at his stud sale.
"I talked to their entourage and they indicated they want to breed cattle in Qatar," he said.
"I have since been told they are trying to fill a plane, which holds 300 head.
"We have had contact with them since the sale, and they inquired about our bulls and breeding stock.
"They asked me how heavy are the 'babies' from the bulls they brought, but we don't have any on the ground yet."
Farm Weekly understands the Sheik could be back at the sale yards in the new year.
"There is a possibility they might be back at our sale next year, but who knows," Mr Bell said.
