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Visitors flocked from all over to this year’s Komga Agricultural Show held from 5 to 7 October where PJ Budler, a world-renowned cattle judge and fifth-generation South African producer who now lives in Texas, exchanged some valuable knowledge in the cattle section.
Komga is situated in the Amatole district of the Eastern Cape, 64kms north of East London. This year’s show offered an array of activities, among which were a farmers breakfast where Budler addressed a full audience; a sheep and cattle block test; a young farmer’s event; a livestock panel discussion; as well as stud stock and poultry exhibitions. An opening cocktail evening and prize-giving lent glamour to the occasion.
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Top-quality livestock
The cattle block test delivered excellent quality steers. One of the breeds described by Budler, was the Brangus which he said is becoming popular in countries such as Australia. Also drawing much attention, was the slaughter lamb competition where the best lambs were judged by experts from the South African Fatstock Judges Association (SAFJA) and OVK. The lambs showcased their excellent qualities as slaughter lambs, reflecting the wool and meat production focus of the Komga area. The wool sheep at the show also impressed with their strong meat traits.
Edgar Wichman of the SA Fatstock Judges Association (SAFJA) was one of the judges of the block test for beef cattle. “We found the cattle of exceptional quality and the best that I have seen in the 20 years that I have been involved with this show,” he said.
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The poultry exhibition and judging were another attraction. Peter Tessendorf, the vice-chairperson of the East London Poultry Society, said they were impressed by the number and variety of entries this year, with 20 different breeds on display.
According to Peter Tessendorf of the East London Poultry Society, they had a full shed this year with a great variety of chickens. He said that working with these birds can easily become a hobby that anyone can fall in love with.
According to Dr Les Trollope, president of the Komga Agricultural Society, this year’s show went fantastically well with all the stalls having been sold out, and having Budler who made a huge contribution with his exceptional knowledge on cattle.
For more information, contact Charli Fourie at charli.fourie@gmail.com. –Carin Venter, Plaas Media
