Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
A trailblazer: One that blazes a trail to guide others; a pathfinder. One who shares
his or her knowledge and is adept at utilising resources while always
learning and gaining new skills. One who continues to hone existing skills and adapt to changing circumstances. One whose success drives further improvement and new heights
Are you a trailblazer, or do you aspire to be one? Is improvement and excellence part of your livestock farming DNA? Then be sure to book your spot for the SA Stud Book 2026 Trailblazer and rub shoulders with the best in the business of animal breeding and improvement. Join us on 28 and 29 October at Tuscan Rose in Bloemfontein. Whether you want to learn from leading industry minds or your peers, or simply confirm what it takes to be a breeder who believes in embracing technology and good breeding practices – this is the place to be.
A programme that informs, educates, and gives recognition
Gear up for a jam-packed programme that will kick off on the morning of 28 October with the SA Stud Book/Landbouweekblad Livestock Academy, where speakers from across the livestock value chain will address attendees on matters affecting the industry. Come and listen to well-known and respected voices across the livestock value chain – from farmers and industry leaders to technicians and geneticists.
This will be followed by two Trailblazer sessions – one on 28 October in the afternoon, and a second on 29 October. Attendees at both sessions will hear industry trailblazers discuss issues ranging from animal health to unlocking the value chain and, of course, improving genetic and production potential. Among these are well-known Dorper breeder, Charl Saunderson, Daniel Helou of vaccine producer, Biogénesis Bago, and Dr Gerhard Neethling, general manager of the Red Meat Abattoir Association who will be addressing everything from production potential to foot-and-mouth disease vaccines and market access.
Veterinary technologist and laboratory manager, Michele Maartens, will provide a new perspective on the art and science of animal diagnostics. Value chain issues such as co-operation and unlocking value from red meat, will be addressed by Dr Bobbie van der Westhuizen of SA Stud Book and Chris Burgess of Landbouweekblad/African Farming.
One of the major drawcards of the Trailblazer event is the prize-giving ceremonies. This year’s awards will once again give recognition to breeders who excelled in small-stock and beef cattle breeding. Logix merit, bronze, silver, gold, double-gold, and platinum awards will be presented to those in attendance and will set the stage for the prestigious annual SA Stud Book Elite Awards in 2027, where the national winners will be announced.
A blazingly hot industry get-together
The industry get-together on the evening of 28 October will continue the new and exciting format introduced at the 2025 Trailblazer event – a delectable plankie braai – where various breeders’ societies will go head to head and put their best hoof forward! This evening is designed to feature meat as it should be enjoyed – on the braai and in good company. And like last year, you will get to cast your vote for the best meat of the event so that we can add a winner to our Meat Elite Roll of Honour.
Sound exciting? Then book your spot immediately!
COST
- Registration for the Trailblazer events are R230 (VAT incl.) per person per session.
- Registration for the industry get-together is R230 (VAT incl.) per person.
- Registration for the Livestock Academy is R250 (VAT incl.) per person.
TO REGISTER for one or all events, head over to the LogixShop at www.logixshop.co.za and click on EVENTS.
For more information and enquiries:
- For the Trailblazer events, send an email to events@studbook.co.za
- For the Livestock Academy, send an email to reza.clifford@media24.com
