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Skietlaagte Farms, located near Viljoenskroon, has built its reputation for excellence in stud and commercial Sussex cattle breeding on three core principles. Superior genetics, rigorous selection processes, and excellent herd health are the pillars that have been instrumental in the ongoing success of the operation. This was once again reflected in the high quality animals sold at David McCall’s third annual Skietlaagte production auction, held on the farm.
Solid results despite challenges
McCall says the aim of his stud cattle programme is to breed top-quality bulls and female animals, with the latter being reintroduced into the herd as replacement heifers. On the commercial side, the goal is to produce cattle that are both adaptable and financially productive.
His commercial herd typically consists of Afrikaner-Sussex crosses and it is a valuable factor that the operation can use its own Sussex bulls, not only for the stud program but also in their own commercial herd. He says his long-term goal is to add value to commercial cattle operations using pure-bred Sussex genetics, not just for Skietlaagte Farms but for the wider cattle breeding community. He hopes that by showcasing a working model of success, other breeders will be inspired to implement similar strategies and add value to their own operations.
McCall, who also serves as president of the Sussex Cattle Breeders’ Association of South Africa, expressed satisfaction with the auction’s outcome. Despite challenging conditions in the agricultural sector, prices remained solid and attendance was encouraging, both in-person and online, with both bulls and many female animals being sold to buyers online. He said holding a production sale in the month of May posed additional challenges, but he is pleased with the overall result. “Every year, we strive to improve the genetics and overall quality of our herd and it’s encouraging to see fellow stud breeders investing in our bulls and commercial farmers continue to support us, which is critical.”
A total of 23 stud bulls, and 125 registered and commercial female animals were on offer. Most of the bulls on offer and female animals were sold, which is a notable achievement in a tough economic environment. “We firmly believe the market will turn and farmers investing in quality females now will reap the benefits in the near future. Our philosophy has always been to support commercial farmers. If they succeed, they return to invest in more bulls, and the cycle continues.”
Auction highlights and prices
Auctioneer Allan Sinclair, managing director at Vleissentraal Bloemfontein, said good average prices were achieved. The average price for bulls was R55 588 and the highest price achieved was R100 000 for the standout stud bull, Supercede 4th SF 220011 HH. This good quality breeding bull was purchased by the Evans family of Huntersvlei Sussex Stud, also located in the Viljoenskroon district. McCall says he is excited and blessed that this truly exceptional bull was bought by his cousins from Huntersvlei.
The bull has excellent width and depth, and carries a good amount of meat. With a cow value of 108, growth value of 91, carcass value of 98, and production value of 103, he’s the full package. McCall says that the bull also has a good temperament and is ready for immediate use on heifers. “It’s great to showcase bulls, but at the end of the day they must be fertile, productive, and ready to do the work – and that is what really matters.”
Sinclair says the average price for three-in-one cows with calves, was R21 846 and for cows with calves, was R18 000. Pregnant cows averaged R16 214, pregnant heifers R15 000, and open heifers averaged R10 600. Duncan Cairns of Yield Agri Investments secured the majority of the females on offer as he continues to invest in and grow his commercial and stud livestock businesses. – Christal-Lize Muller, Plaas Media
For more information contact David McCall at 082 263 0272 or email david@skietlaagte.co.za.
