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Livestock farming is a broad field of study that encompasses several sciences. The modern livestock breeder is expected to have at least a basic understanding of all these sciences – breeding, selection, nutrition, animal health, veld management, livestock handling, and financial management are but a few. These sciences also develop and change, and it is no easy feat to remain ahead of the game. This gap in the industry was the driving force behind the birth of the Livestock Registering Federation’s (LRF) well-known Stockman School.
The late Dr Michael Bradfield’s life’s dream was to keep producers informed and at the forefront of technology so that the stud and red meat industry can continue to grow. In 2003, the organisers of the LRF/Breedplan Stud Breeder of the Year competition noticed a gap in the industry with regard to the training of especially stud breeders, as well as the industry at large. After numerous discussions on ways to disseminate information to these breeders, the first LRF Stockman School was held in 2009.
Growing in popularity
According to Izaan du Plooy, one of the organisers of the Stockman School, this event has transformed over the years to become one of the most popular events at which stud breeders can gain knowledge. This year the school will be held for the 17th time at the Aldam Holiday Resort in the Free State.
Last year the seats were sold out. “It is a fairly exclusive event with space for about 200 conference attendees. But the Stockman School has not only grown in numbers, but also in terms of the quality of its presentations. Last year’s school was rated by conference attendees and presenters as one of the best yet.”
The LRF Stockam School’s vision, she says, is to help create a thriving red meat industry while equipping livestock producers and breeders with knowledge and skills relating to the latest developments and technology, and to assist them in successfully operating their farms. They can also expand their networks by rubbing shoulders with various other industry role-players, from sponsors and speakers to other producers and experts.
On this year’s menu
This year will be no exception. The theme is “Smart stockmanship: Back to basics”. Like every year, some of the country’s leading experts will be presenting lectures, while a number of foreign experts will share information with a wider scope.
The school will kick off with the theme “The status of the red meat industry”, presented by Agbiz’s chief economist, Wandile Sihlobo. This will be followed by a discussion on “Being ready for exports” with experts looking at what the market demands of the producer and what producers can expect if they want to enter this market. International trends in the beef industry will be under the microscope.
Since everyone needs to farm sustainably and profitably, various aspects of the consumer market will receive attention. These include themes such as managing cashflow on the livestock farm, marketing cattle and negotiating the best prices, and what breeders can do to ensure that consumers have a positive eating experience.
Healthy, sustainable herds
The crux of the Livestock School is sound management practices and therefore aspects such as beef cattle genetics and the basic principles of effective veld management will be addressed in specialist sessions. One of these is nutrition and the role of rumen development from birth to slaughter. Presentations will also explore the value of feed efficiency in improving profits. Because South African livestock producers farm under very difficult conditions while having to generate a profit, the use of alternative feed sources remains a relevant topic.
Conception, re-conception and selection are the linchpins of livestock breeding and a theme that will be discussed in depth by international guests such as Dr Doug Bruce and Prof Bob Weaber. In addition, there will also be a major focus on the hands-on aspects of herd health, such as practical guidelines for successful vaccination, the latest livestock disease trends to be presented by Dr Danie Odendaal, and a practical approach to animal health.
The school will also host its annual gala dinner during which the Santam Agriculture/LRF Stud Breeder of the Year will be announced, and various other awards will be made.
These are just a few of the exciting topics and events that Stockman School attendees can look forward to this year. The school is expected to once again be bursting from the seams, so be sure to secure your spot now! – Koos du Pisanie, Stockfarm
For the full programme and registration information, visit www.lrf.co.za/stockman-school or contact Charmaine Alberts at 082 922 3747.
