Recently, the Boran has become a topic of hot debate on social media in agricultural circles thanks to the sale of the bull BH 18 749 Cyclone, which was sold to Zimbabwean farmer Collen Tafireyi of the Sinyo Boran Stud for a record-breaking price of R8 million at the Hurwitz Farming 10th Production Auction in August this year.
At the time of the sale, Tafireyi told Farmer’s Weekly: “We are excited to have acquired this top bull. Cyclone is going to play a major role in our future plans in terms of breeding quality. Our plan is to breed the best Borans in Zimbabwe. We want to put Zimbabwe on the map.”
Tafireyi’s insistence that Cyclone is the right bull for this purpose is indeed high praise for the men behind his breeding: Simeon and Jarren Hurwitz. And, while the Boran may now be growing in popularity, there was a time when it was hugely unpopular, and farmers were selling their animals for below slaughter prices to simply get rid of them.
“We were always true to the breed, even at a time when everyone told us we were wasting money by reinvesting in the Boran,” says Simeon.
With the sale of top-quality animals like Cyclone, it seems that the Hurwitz brothers are well on their way to having their names cemented in the Boran’s history in South Africa and maybe even further afield, but it hasn’t been an easy journey.
THE BEGINNING
The Sandton-based brothers took over their grandfather’s farm located in Bethal, Mpumalanga, in 2009. Dr Barney Hurwitz was a pioneer of the Boran breed in South Africa. In 1995, eight years before the establishment of the Boran Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa, he began importing Boran embryos from Zambia, while other breeders were importing the breed from Kenya.
Barney’s foray into the Boran is particularly interesting and speaks to the unique qualities of the breed.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 29, 2024-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 November 29, 2024-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
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
