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.
Esta historia es de la edición Farmer's Weekly 28 October de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Farmer's Weekly 28 October de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
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.