When the hammer fell at R370 000 for his Simbra bull Richter Prairie (JHR 16 341), cattle farmer Chris Richter achieved a new national record.
This is the highest price paid for a Simbra bull sold via auction in South Africa to date. Added to this, it happened during an online auction and was the first time Richter was using the virtual platform.
Richter operates his stud and commercial cattle operation from the farm Leeukop in the Bloemfontein district in the Free State. He is supported by his wife Martlie as he continues to build on the legacy left by his father Jan and grandfather Chris.
“I am the fifth generation on this farm and my father and grandfather both spent years developing the cattle in their Simmentaler and Brahman studs.
“They then combined these in 1998 to register Richter Simbras.”
The foundation cattle for the Simbra stud came from well-established Simmentaler and Brahman stud lines with the primary focus to select for hardy, profitable beef cattle, combining the best of both breeds.
The stud hosted its first production sale in 2005, around the time Richter matriculated and left for Stellenbosch University to complete a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Tragedy struck in 2007, however, when Richter’s father lost his battle to cancer, passing away just weeks before the stud would host its third production sale. It fell to Richter to ensure everything went ahead.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 11, 2020-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 11, 2020-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
