We recently had the privilege of attending a Cattle Information Day hosted by Mr. Rustin Shawe, the 2024 National Cattle Farmer of the Year, at his farm Grassfields, Groenvlei. Rustin showcased his unique and practical approach to cattle farming, grounded in his core principles of integrity, fertility, and quality.
His farming model combines a commercial herd with a Droughtmaster stud operation, relying predominantly on natural grazing (96%) with cultivated pastures making up only 4% of the feed mix. One of the key strategies he employs is a strict 60-day breeding policy, aimed at maximizing fertility. The resulting weaner calves are marketed through a tender process, and Rustin plans to take this a step further by backgrounding the calves on the farm.
Rustin Shawe, Voermol Nasionale Beesboer van die Jaar in 2024
This event formed part of the broader goal of the National Cattle Farmer of the Year competition, which seeks to highlight and share the management practices of successful cattle farmers with the wider farming community. Attendees had the opportunity to gain firsthand insights from Rustin and other industry experts focused on improving the productivity and profitability of cattle farming in South Africa.
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We recently had the opportunity to attend a Sheep Information Day hosted by Andries Marx, the 2024 National Sheep Farmer of the Year, on his family farm, Sewefontein, located west of Burgersdorp. Andries’s passion and pride for sheep farming were evident throughout the day.
He farms Dohne Merinos under the well-known brand FEM Dohnes, with a strong focus on long-term genetic progress. His breeding strategy involves a genetic mating wheel, where ewes are grouped into family lines and each group is paired with an unrelated ram. Technology, such as BKB’s DSS system, plays a vital role in selecting animals that perform optimally.
Andries Marx, the 2024 National Sheep Farmer of the Year
For Andries, the responsible management of natural resources is crucial to running a successful extensive sheep farming operation. FEM Dohnes hosts two production auctions annually, marketing both stud and commercial animals. Additionally, Andries adds further value by finishing his own lambs, wethers, and cull ewes before selling them.
This event was part of the National Sheep Farmer of the Year initiative, which aims to practically showcase the management practices of leading sheep farmers. Attendees gained valuable insights firsthand from Andries and other industry experts, all committed to improving the productivity and profitability of sheep farming in South Africa.
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The information day hosted by Jason Carroll, 2023 National Cattle Farmer of the Year, proved to be a valuable source of information for those present.
Carroll, who is the livestock manager at Boschendal, explained during the day that they use primarily weaning weight to select Boschendal’s replacement herds. “We select the 20% heaviest heifers who are most likely those that were born first, grow quickly, and whose mothers possess good milk production traits. Looking at Boschendal’s average weaning weight, we are certainly on the right path.”
Dawie Maree, head of information and marketing at FNB Agriculture, confirmed during this presentation that the cattle industry is the second biggest in the country’s agricultural industry. Over the past five years this industry has grown by 7,5% which represents a growth rate of 1,25% per year. There is certainly potential for more growth, provided producers play the game right.
Dr Schabort Froneman is the technical manager of Zoetis’ large animal unit. He explained to producers how to prepare their bull groups for the mating season. He emphasised breeding suitability and said veterinarians must determine bulls’ fertility and test them for sexually transmitted diseases. Ashley Grimsell, technical manager at Voermol, implored producers to give their heifers and first-calvers the necessary attention. “Looking after your heifers could mean an extra calf in a cow’s lifetime. This makes it worth investing in your heifers.”
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Producers were able to gain valuable insight during the information day held by the 2023 National Sheep Farmer of the Year, Wikus Bekker.
Isak Staats, the general manager of wool and mohair at BKB, focussed on how a producer’s perspective of his or her farm can impact their activities. Staats said producers should be realistic and plan for the future.
Dawie Maree, national head of agricultural marketing and information at FNB, discussed the planning a producer should have in place for his or her farming enterprise. He compared this plan to a rugby game where certain elements can represent yellow and red cards that can hinder good progress.
Dr Natanya Smith, marketing manager for ruminants at Zoetis, spoke about the role of vaccines in a sheep herd. Vaccines assist in building a sheep’s immunity, hence increasing and strengthening herd immunity.
Dr Josef van Wyngaard, technical manager at Voermol Feeds, addressed the impact of nutritional planning on the future of a sheep herd. He said producers must give consideration to important periods and production stages so as to ensure better lambing and weaning percentages. Wikus Bekker, the 2023 National Sheep Farmer of the Year, shared information regarding his farming enterprise, placing special emphasis on good labour relations.
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