How did you get involved with the Braford?
Flip de Jager from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), and Naudé Bremer from Rosendal, Free State, were the first cattlemen to develop Braford cattle in South Africa, and they did so independently of one another.
My father, Dr Johan Meaker, is an animal scientist and was closely involved in the development of De Jager’s bloodline. After seeing the final outcome of the breeding programme, he bought a bull from one of the foundation herds in 1985 to start his own herd, which was registered as Meaker Brafords.
He is one of the founding members of the Braford Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa (SA Braford) and served as its president for many years.
I was appointed president of the association in 2019.
Where and how did the breed originate?
The Braford, a synthetic breed, was developed 50 to 60 years ago in Australia and the US by combining the best qualities of the Hereford (Bos taurus) and the Brahman (B. indicus) into a uniform, well-adapted new breed. The goal was to produce a breed with the fertility, growth and meat qualities of the Hereford and the maternal traits, calving ease and longevity of the Brahman.
The Braford comprises about five parts Hereford and three parts Brahman.
So is the Braford simply a crossing of Hereford and Brahman cattle to produce hybrid vigour?
No, it has been bred into a recognised breed in its own right, so breeders use registered purebred Brafords in their breeding programmes. SA Braford is nevertheless one of the few breed societies that still accepts new lines with the aim of growing the genetic pool of animals available in the country.
What would it entail to breed a new stud line?
This story is from the June 10, 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 June 10, 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
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.
