The growing popularity of the Beefmaster among livestock breeders in Limpopo is indicative of the breed’s ability to adapt to extensive farming conditions. The Hardus Steenkamp Beefmasters stud in Limpopo has proven just how well the breed can perform.
Extensive cattle farming is common practice in Limpopo due to the region’s low carrying capacity of approximately one large livestock unit per 12ha.
As a result of the Beef master breed’s adaptability, high weaning weight and good temperament, there is growing demand for the breed in Limpopo.
In addition to a number of well-established stud breeders in the province, new farming entrants are introducing the breed to their operations.
The greatest challenge for cattle farmers in Limpopo is the area’s highly variable rainfall. The average is 400mm/ year, but this figure can plummet to as low as 98mm/ year. The area is also prone to heart water disease, while predation has become a growing threat over the past few years. Under these difficult conditions, it is crucial to select functionally adaptive animals to ensure high productivity levels.
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