Tell us more about the origin of the Angus breed.
The Angus cattle breed developed more than 200 years ago out of two black polled strains known as ‘humlies’ and ‘doddies’ in the neighbouring counties of Aberdeenshire and Angusshire in North-East Scotland.
Following the union of England and Scotland in 1707, many northern farmers exported surplus cattle to England graziers, which led to the demand of what has become known as Prime Scots beef in London.
In 1795, the price of grain soared because of the French Revolution and further drove up the demand for beef in England. This made Scottish farmers realise they could increase their earnings by finishing their own cattle, which led to the specialised production of their native polled stock as meat animals, rendering the Angus breed, the only one in the world to have been bred exclusively for beef since its inception.
How did the breed end up in South Africa?
The Angus is the biggest British beef breed in the world. The first Angus cattle were imported to South Africa in 1895, with the primary objective of improving meat yield and the quality of local breeds, which is something the breed has achieved with enormous success!
The Angus Society of South Africa was founded in 1917, making it one of the oldest breeders’ societies in South Africa. It was affiliated to the South African Stud Book Association in 1918 and received its certificate of incorporation on 23 March 1921.
Today, the society boasts 140 registered stud breeding members and 50 registered commercial members. On our database, there are 2 300 beef farmers in South Africa who use Angus in their commercial farming operations.
This story is from the May 13, 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 13, 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
