The first Beef Shorthorn was imported into South Africa in 1861, making it one of the oldest cattle breeds in the country, and the Shorthorn Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa was established in 1912.
The Stretton herd, formed in the 1860s, has long been one of the most prominent in the country, and Hendrik Strydom, owner of the Amadeus Cattle Company, has based his Beef Shorthorn herd primarily on Stretton genetics.
Shorthorns were originally bred as dual-purpose animals, used for both beef and milk. However, it was discovered that particular bloodlines were better for meat, while others were superior for milking. As a result, the lines eventually diverged to become the Beef and Milking Shorthorn breeds.
Hendrik and his sons Henco and Johann decided on the Beef Shorthorn for economic reasons after conducting extensive research on the breed, which is adapted to all of South Africa’s production regions, has excellent marbling traits, and crosses well with just about any other breed.
TWO SHORTHORN STUDS
The Strydoms have two Beef Shorthorn studs, namely the Amadeus stud in Petrusburg, Free State, and the Strydberg Farming stud in Molteno, Eastern Cape. Hendrik and Henco jointly own the Amadeus herd, while the Strydberg herd is part of a collaboration between five people, including Johann.
“We got an opportunity to rent land in Molteno, complete with a herd of Beef Shorthorn stud cows, on a long-term basis, and it was an opportunity we couldn’t miss. Since both of my sons are involved in farming, we had to look at a way to expand the business, and the Molteno opportunity allowed us to do just that,” explains Hendrik.
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 28 October-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 28 October-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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.
