By Mawande Ngyo

“Be a resilient stockman”, this was the theme of the 16^th LRF stockman school 2024. This theme is quite fitting owing to the challenges the beef industry is faced with, alluded a number of speakers. On the political climate of the country, the political pundit indicated that things are looking up for the country under the GNU government. On the Animal science aspect, whether production/breeding, health, nutrition, marketing or management, traceability and biosecurity were the two phenomenon’s that were commonly raised by a number of experts that were called on the podium. Traceability and biosecurity received a lot of attention because of the recent cases of FMD that were reported in the Eastern Cape. This is a really concerning situation because there were 2 more cases that were reported from the same area indicating that there were no biosecurity measures that were implemented after the first case, indicated a speaker. Besides the biosecurity concerns, through traceability you will be able to tell which animals are from a better system after the animals have been graded. The speaker from RMIS indicated that there’s a new technology in place which will ensure traceability of animals, that will also factor in the geo-location of the farm and the owner. This technology will be implemented in the first week of November 2024, assured the speaker. One speaker also touched on the importance of increasing productivity in the South African beef industry. It was highlighted that currently calving % is between 63-65% in the commercial sector, in the emerging sector 40%, and 30% in the communal sector. We were fortunate to witness practical demonstration of the ART’s (Assisted Reproduction Techniques) that can be used to enhance beef breeding through harvesting eggs from cows/heifers ovaries and in vitro fertilization. It was also emphasized that use of advances in genomic technologies will improve accuracy of genetic predictions and enhance production output (live animal quality and carcass quality). However, one of the major issues of concern was the volatility of prices and the need for the industry to move to a grading system. The experts indicated that the prices would remain volatile, however, the grading system has to be implemented so that the difference in price will be determined by quality. There are already progressive efforts towards implementing the grading system as reported  by Professor Arno Hugo from the University of the Free State in his talk. In general, my  take home message from the LRF Stockman school is that to be a resilient stockman, you need to understand that there are 8 divisions in livestock farming such as, genetics, herd management, nutrition, animal health, marketing, record keeping, forage management and including taking care of the soils and human resource management.

By Tanya Pieterse

We are excited to share a recap of the remarkable LRF Stockman School held at the Aldam Resort from 9-11 October 2024. This event, orchestrated by the dedicated LRF team, brought together some of the most knowledgeable and influential figures in every facet of our industry.

The School began with a video presentation from the Minister of Agriculture, Johan Steenhuisen. Although unable to attend in person, the Minister expressed his commitment to strengthening connections with South African farmers. He assured us that he would work diligently to address key concerns, such as reopening export markets, and emphasized the critical role of traceability in facilitating exports—a focal point for our future progress.

A range of thought-provoking sessions followed. Prof. Theo Venter shared invaluable insights into the potential political landscape and the impacts of upcoming local and international elections on our industry. A notable panel discussion featuring Prof. Norman Maiwashe, Prof. Frikkie Neser, Dewald Olivier, Dr. Johnny van der Merwe, and Gerhard van der Burgh tackled vital industry topics such as the RMIS 2030 Goals, traceability, and carcass grading.

Throughout the event, we were privileged to hear from experts covering diverse subjects. Erin Graham from Molatek delivered an exceptional presentation on strategic feeding during droughts and the necessary preparations for such conditions. Lisa Rumsfeld from Vytelle discussed breeding resilient herds through hormone-free IVF, followed by a practical oocyte collection demonstration from Bonsmara cattle by Embryo Plus and Dr. Robert Treadwell, Dr. Morne de la Rey, and their team.

Our Society friend, Prof. Arno Hugo, gave a captivating talk on meat quality, covering the entire journey from farm to fork. The event closed on an inspirational note with Bles de Klerk’s heartfelt story of overcoming adversity, underscoring the importance of faith, resilience, and perseverance in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the LRF Board, staff, and everyone involved for their efforts in making this event an overwhelming success. The knowledge shared and connections made will undoubtedly contribute to the future growth and resilience of our industry.

Congratulations to our breeders & members who have received LRF awards

The award dinner at Aldam during the LRF Stockman School is always a very exciting time. This is where the hard work, endurance and growth of breeders from various breeds are being acknowledged. This was also extremely motivating to all spectators for the year to come. It was an honour to sit and observe the efforts of two of our esteemed breeders being awarded.

Cow Herd of the Year

Herds that are eligible for the award must have at least a three-star award for completeness of performance. The economic index of the herd is also looked at, if it is available for the breed, as well as characteristics such as days-to-calving (DTC). If DTC is not available, age at first calving and intercalving period are looked at. For the breeds where indices are not available, a similar value is determined by linking economic weights to their breeding values. The values include birth, weaning, yearling, final and mature cow weight and scrotal circumference.

Fredericksburg Wagyu, in their absence, was awarded with the Wagyu Cow herd of the Year award. Well done to Bob Hobson, Stefan Terblanche and team!

Proven Wagyu Bull of the Year

Eligible bulls must be three and a half years old or older. They must have a progeny of at least one hundred calves in three or more herds, of which twenty or more calves were born during the preceding two years. The bulls must have accurate breeding values and are determined according to their economic indices.

For the breeds where indices are not available yet, a similar value is determined by linking economic weights to their breeding values. The values include birth, weaning, yearling, final and mature cow weight and scrotal circumference. Bulls must also meet minimum criteria for some of the traits.

Stella Wagyu was awarded with the Proven Wagyu Bull of the Year award. A huge congratulations to Johan de Vos, Gert & Delia Prinsloo & team.

Photo of Johan de Vos, Gert & Delia Prinsloo at the LRF Awards in 2023, where they received the award for the cow herd of the year.

We want to thank you for your hard work and dedication. Thank you for being exceptional representatives of our breed – it is an honour working alongside you!

Another highlight was the prestigious Services to the Industry award, awarded to Prof Esté van Marle-Köster. Prof, you have made an incredible impact on the breeding and genetics community.

We are truly blessed to have you serve on our Breed Improvement Committee to ensure that we steer our breed to a better, brighter and more sustainable future. Thank you for your lifelong commitments to the industry and cattle breeds. We pray to be blessed with your insight and guidance for many years to come.