Hardy, dual-purpose Dexters make sound business sense
Farmer's Weekly|September 02,2022
Twenty years ago, Gauteng livestock producer Kobus van der Linde bought a handful of Dexter cattle as a hobby for his children. Today, Van der Linde’s 100-head Lundi Dexter stud is a profitable operation, and his sole business. Annelie Coleman visited him to find out why he concentrated on this remarkable breed.
Annelie Coleman
Hardy, dual-purpose Dexters make sound business sense

FAST FACTS

According to breeder Kobus van der Linde, Dexters are hardy animals ideally suited to all of South Africa’s farming environments.

Demand for Dexter beef is increasing due to its exceptional quality, marbling and affordability.

The Dexter’s small size, easy temperament and excellent maternal ability are key characteristics of the breed.

The Dexter has become a viable dual-purpose cattle breed for South African farmers, according to Gauteng-based stud owner Kobus van der Linde. In fact, he enthuses, it is “a highly economical breed, which makes perfect financial sense”.

Van der Linde should know; an experienced commercial livestock producer who farms on Witfontein (120ha) near Bronkhorstspruit, he acquired his first Dexters 20 years ago as a hobby or ‘mini business’ for his children. It did not take long, however, before he and his family took note of the breed’s excellent carcass quality and outstanding milk production. So taken was Van der Linde by these qualities that he ended up focusing entirely on the breed, selling his other cattle and establishing his Lundi Dexter stud.

“The perception that Dexters are merely cute and fluffy has long been proven otherwise,” he says. “In South Africa, demand now far exceeds supply. My decision to switch to Dexters wasn’t based on emotion, but on simple economics.

Esta historia es de la edición September 02,2022 de Farmer's Weekly.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición September 02,2022 de Farmer's Weekly.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE FARMER'S WEEKLYVer todo
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
Farmer's Weekly

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

time-read
2 minutos  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
IPM requires a completely different mindset
Farmer's Weekly

IPM requires a completely different mindset

You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them

time-read
2 minutos  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
6 minutos  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
5 minutos  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
6 minutos  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
5 minutos  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
8 minutos  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
1 min  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024