39 YEARS AGOBreeding top-class Thoroughbreds can be a lucrative business, with The Green Monkey fetching a record-high price for a colt of $16 million [about R239 million] in 2004. However, breeding these animals takes precision, good management and patience.
“To realise prices at the Germiston yearling sales of R34 000 [R1,02 million] for Havanna Kid (Jamaico-Shamrock) and R20 000 [R602 777] for the Hammerman (Field Master-Killala), and to realise R108 000 [R3,26 million] for nine yearlings, does not happen overnight. So far it has taken the third Elley generation lots of hard scientific work and a great deal of capital to achieve this. Mr Eric Elley of West Bank Stud at Oudtshoorn is the third generation of the family who started the stud in 1922.
“About four brood mares are at present kept on the 90ha of irrigated lucerne and 35ha of river ground in this 200mm rainfall area. About 75% of the lucerne is used for the horses, either in the form of grazing or hay, which is made with a mower conditioner, and the rest is used for cattle and seed production.
RESIDENT STALLIONS
“At present two resident stallions are kept at West Bank. Windsor Lad was imported from New Zealand and won 15 races in South Africa. American Bold Pirate who was raced in England and France with great success, proves to be a great sire. Brood mares are from local and imported stock, most of them having an imposing record.
“Because all Thoroughbreds born before 1 August are automatically registered as a year old at that date, the mating season is arranged so that the mares will foal soon after 1 August. With a gestation period of 11 months and 6 days, mating takes place from September to mid-December.
“Experience tells Mr Elley when a mare is in season, and after teasing the mare she is brought into a paddock with the stallion, after being hobbled and fitted with boots to prevent injury to the stallion.
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の Farmer's Weekly 28 September 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の Farmer's Weekly 28 September 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.