Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
In the South African agricultural landscape resilience is not just a trait but a way of life for the stockman. This year, the Livestock Registering Federation (LRF) is proud to present the 2024 Stockman School with the theme “Being a resilient stockman”.
The event, which will be held from 9 to 11 October 2024, aims to empower livestock producers to thrive amidst challenges. Plaas Media is this year’s official media partner.
Day one: Factors that influence resilient stockmanship
The first session, sponsored by Molatek, will commence with insights from LRF chairperson Johan Styger. This will be followed by an engaging presentation from Prof Theo Venter, esteemed professor at the College of Business and Economics at the University of Johannesburg, who will examine the robustness of South African agriculture. The session will end with a thought-provoking panel discussion that will navigate the complex landscape of resilient stockmanship. Prof Norman Maiwashe, general manager of ARC-Animal Production, will steer this discussion.
The second session, sponsored by Absa, brings global perspectives to the table with renowned international cattle judge PJ Budler’s talk on global challenges and opportunities in livestock farming. Prof Tony Shakespeare, associate professor of bovine medicine at the University of Pretoria, will discuss the importance of rumen health in animal resilience, and Johan van den Berg, independent agricultural meteorologist, will address the impact of weather patterns on farming enterprises.
In the third session, sponsored by Vytelle, Prof Kevin Kirkman, professor of grassland science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, will discuss strategies for future-proofing extensive livestock production in the challenging environments of subtropical grasslands and savannas. Dr Gary Evans and Sharon Watkinson from Neogen will explore the advances in genomic technologies and their implications for the future, promising a session rich in insights and forward-thinking discussions.
The last session of the day will highlight the profitability of livestock production by managing soil health, with insights from Simon Hodgson, general manager for cover crops at AGT Foods Africa, and Prof Jan Myburgh, professor in toxicology at the Department of Paraclinical Sciences at University of Pretoria. This session is sponsored by Zoetis.
Day two: Feeding and breeding resilient cattle
The first session of the second day, sponsored by Unistel, begins with discussions on conception and genetic improvement, featuring Dr Doug Bruce, a Zimbabwean veterinarian, and Dr Brad Crook, manager of the genetics research and development team at the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) of the University of New England in Australia. Erin Graham, technical manager at Molatek, will give insight on strategic feeding.
The second session, sponsored by Vleissentraal, will cover setting up a breeding objective for future resilience, presented by Dr Brad Walmsley, research scientist at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit of the University of New England in Australia. Thereafter, Lisa Rumsfeld, vice-president of business development and strategy at Vytelle, will discuss breeding a resilient herd faster using hormone-free in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
The practical sessions, sponsored by Livetrack, will kick off with a practical demonstration of hormone-free IVF, by Dr Robert Treadwell, director of Embryo Plus, the proud South African partner lab of the Vytelle group. Thereafter, delegates will be divided into groups and sessions will be rotated.
Delegates can select three out of the following six topics:
- Functional efficiency in cattle – practical demonstration by PJ Budler.
- Sustainability in the livestock industry – Gerrit van Zyl, Bonsmara stud breeder.
- Designing a resilient herd vaccination programme – Dr Schabort Froneman, technical manager: ruminants at Zoetis.
- Resilient financial planning – Tito Vorster, Simbra stud breeder and businessman.
- Key considerations in financing a livestock enterprise – Dr Langa Simela, business development manager at Absa AgriBusiness.
- Structured solutions as an insurance alternative – Andries Wiese, Hollard.
The final day: BREEDPLAN and profit-driven livestock production
The final day opens with the eighth session, which is sponsored by the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation. This session includes a BREEDPLAN discussion by Dr Crook. In session 9, PJ Budler will facilitate a discussion about profit-driven livestock production and Bles de Klerk, a beef cattle stud breeder, will share the key to success in livestock production/agriculture.
The event will conclude with an overview of the LRF Stockman School by Prof Frikkie Neser, head of the Department Animal Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the University of the Free State, and a lucky draw, leaving attendees with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be a resilient stockman.
Each day concludes with social events, including a prizegiving dinner and an evening function hosted by Kobus Bester, where attendees can unwind and reflect on the day’s learnings.
This event is a must-attend for anyone in the livestock industry looking to enhance their resilience and adaptability.
For bookings, contact Charmainé Alberts at 082 922 3747 or email charmainealberts8@gmail.com.
