Over the past few decades the industry has become more commercialised, with the oxen that are being marketed becoming younger by the day; these days even uncastrated weaners are taken from their dams. In the process, the ox – the animal behind the symbol – has virtually disappeared from the commercial livestock farm. Since they no longer enjoy prominence in the mainstream livestock industry, these large oxen are also no longer on the media’s radar.
Renewed interest
According to Albert Loubser, chief organiser of Nampo ALFA, this is exactly why they are working towards elevating the position of the ox by establishing the mega-ox concept at ALFA. Here the animals can participate in a mega ox exhibition during which the heaviest ox at the expo will enjoy the spotlight.
“Although few farmers still have large oxen, this exhibition clearly attracts a lot of interest, both from fascinated spectators and the media. Last year, this project alone enjoyed more media coverage than the rest of ALFA’s projects combined. It seems that our efforts to give recognition to the ox is paying off.”
The fence manufacturer, Cape Gate, he adds, fully understood this sentiment, seized the opportunity to act as the sponsor of the project and enthusiastically did more than their share.
“But if you look beyond the symbolism and sentiment of the ox,” Albert emphasizes, “you’ll find that there is a lot of science and value attached to an ox farming enterprise. The ox is certainly not a caricature taken from the past for the sake of emotion.”
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Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av Stockfarm.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Shongololo Boer Goat Stud: Only The Best Will Do
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Climate-Related Hazards: How Smallholders Can Mitigate Its Consequences
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Land Reform: Case Studies In Kwazulu-Natal
Land reform in South Africa is complex. Land reform solutions are equally complex and within partnership and development models, this is no different – but there is hope. KwaZulu-Natal has several types of partnership models and the wide variation in farming systems, as well as their different needs, set each model up for different strengths and weaknesses.
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