In 2013, Clark and Hayden Rattray of Pleasant View, in the Swartberg region of KwaZulu-Natal, launched their Pleasant View Beefmaster stud by upgrading the Simbra-type cattle herd that their family had farmed for two generations.
This herd had consisted of three-way crosses of Simmentaler, Hereford and Brahman.
The Brahman-type cows were put to either Hereford or Simmentaler bulls, and the Hereford-Simmentaler-type cows were put to Brahman bulls.
“Unknowingly, we were breeding an animal that matched the criteria of the Beefmaster breed, which was originally a three-way cross made up of 25% Shorthorn, 25% Hereford and 50% Brahman,” explains Hayden Rattray.
The idea of moving to a Beefmaster stud was initiated in part by well-known Beefmaster breeder Graham Hart. However, it was Laurence Lasater’s book, The Lasater Philosophy of Cattle Raising, that finally convinced Rattray.
“This brought to light the unbelievable potential the Beefmaster breed has to offer our South African stock farming conditions,” he says. Hart advised the Rattrays that upgrading their cattle by putting them to Beefmaster bulls, but not buying in females, would lengthen the time it took to obtain pure animals, but would serve them well in the long run.
“This advice has been very valuable to the growth of our stud,” says Rattray. “Graham also advised us that our stud should make up part of our operation, and not become the backbone.”
WELL-ADAPTED
The Rattrays decided to upgrade their own cattle, rather than buying in others, as their animals were already well adapted to the local conditions.
“Through years of strict selection, our cattle had become a highly productive herd,” says Rattray.
This story is from the November 15, 2019 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 November 15, 2019 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.
