Buying the wrong bull for your farming operation is one of the single biggest mistakes a cattle producer can make, said Kobus Bester, Livestock Registering Federation (LRF) director, during the Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) Beef Cattle Farmers’ Day held in Irene, Pretoria in September.
“Quality animals are non-negotiable, especially when it comes to male animals. If you think about it, depending on the system you’re using on your farm, within eight years your cow herd will possess the genetics of the last four bulls you’ve used.” This comes to between 50 and 85% of the herd’s genetics.
“The wrong bull might sound like a bargain, but he’s going to kill your heifers and most probably some of your cows too. So, if you think you are saving, think again,” Bester said, adding that this is why producers need to arm themselves with knowledge and work according to a strategic plan.
A winning recipe
The aim is for producers to maximise their profits by increasing their income while keeping inputs low. However, this is easier said than done. Producers must also derive pleasure from what they’re doing. “To be successful and keep doing what you’re doing well requires a good dose of happiness,” said Bester.
The following is a ten-point guideline for achieving this type of success in cattle farming:
- Choose to farm a cattle breed that is sought after in the industry. This breed must be able to adapt and produce profitably through the efficient use of natural resources.
- Understand the natural resources and environment available to you.
- It is crucial to know what is within your control and then controlling it to mitigate risk as far as possible.
- Understand the risks involved with your farming operation and know how to mitigate it.
- Every successful producer has a plan with clear objectives and goals.
- Acquire only the best quality animals.
- Maintain an optimal condition score in your animals.
- Maintain good health in your animals.
- Happy, healthy animals tend to reproduce without issues.
- Optimise stocking rate and maximise fertility/reproduction.
Read more about buying a better bull here.
Emerging success
Prof Norman Maiwashe, general manager of ARC-Animal Production in Irene, said that after many years the ARC’s Beef Cattle Improvement Scheme is starting to bear fruit, with many black producers now competing at the highest level. “Many of these producers are now in the so-called commercial producer league. We have moved away from ‘emerging’, as this term no longer fits.”
Bull price trends, according to Prof Maiwashe, is also skyrocketing. “This is encouraging, as it shows that we are in the right business.” The country’s growing meat demand and the opening of international markets underpin this development, and the opportunity for producers to earn an income in foreign currencies is very encouraging.
The Department of Agriculture’s promise to reinvest in the ARC’s facilities within the next three to four years is another key driver of progress, as these improvements will enable the ARC to provide better services to producers. – Susan Marais, Plaas Media
For enquiries, phone the ARC-Animal Production on 012 672 9111 or visit www.arc.agric.za/arc-api/Pages/ARC-API-Homepage.aspx.
