Time for Change
78 cattle farmers attended the thought provoking farmers day, aptly named ‘Time for Change’, held on Friday 29 November 2024
With the beef cattle industry under severe pressure and at a point of lowest profitability for the primary producer – the farmer, everybody knows if we continue to do what we have done so far our survival will be in jeopardy.
The farmer has got very limited influence on prices, be it that of inputs or when selling their animals. Input cost continue to rise and prices received for weaners and other either stay the same or as is currently the case reduce.
The farmer does however have influence on the management, albeit grazing systems or animals they breed or buy.
After the opening Mr Kobus Bester, Breed director of the Simbra Breeders Society of Southern Africa introduced all to the Simbra society and what it offers.
Kobus discussed the realities and need for change in the cattle industry. This need is crucial due to changes in markets, competition, rising input costs and climate change.
Farmers now see that there is a change in the market, but the reality is that the market has changed a long time ago, we as producer just did not realize it. But we realize this now and have to catch up. Doing what we did yesterday or last year is simply not going to ensure survival and definitely not profitability. It is Time for Change.
Dave Swift, researcher on tick management and control had and in depth discussion on tick management. Ticks and tickborne diseases are not only responsible for major losses, specifically in this area of the eastern cape, but is probably one of the major input costs for cattle farmers.
Kobus Bester with three Simbra heifers as examples discussed practical implications of key points such as tropical adaptability, fat on an animals to not only increase fertility but also meat quality, type and structure of animals that will support profitability of cattle farming operations.
After a short break, Tukkie Fourie, local Simbra farmer and chairperson of the East Cape Simbra Club thanked the sponsors of the event and introduced Marius Potgieter, owner of Ndimba Cattle Company and Marichelle Simbra stud.
Marius Potgieter, owner of Ndimba Cattle Company and Marichelle Simbra stud then at the hand of several animals in the ring started the discussion on aspects of what cattle farmers can do to breed lower input animals that can produce more kg’s of liveweight per ha and as such increase profitability.
Marius “It is important for all to understand that growth is antagonistic to fertility. So the more you focus on growth, higher weaning weights, bigger bulls and cows, the lower you animals fertility will be. The only way to keep these growthy animals fertile is to feed it into them.”
The days was closed off with a steak lunch and many intense discussion around a cozy fire.
Ross Flanegan – Local farmer and agent “Congratulations to East Cape Simbra Club for a fantastic day.”
Kobus Bester, Breed Director of Simbra Breeders Society of Southern Africa “Time for Change, crucial to be sustainable, but you must ensure that ‘change” is an improvement.
How to change? Optimise both your genetics and stockmanship. Ensure sustainable profitability rather than turnover traits through animals that are performance tested, a real value proposition underpinned by proven animal science, with a high intrinsic value ensuring return on investment rather than return on ego. Farm with structural sound, functional efficient animals with perfect hormonal balance, optimising your available natural resources driving down cost of production and increasing profitability.
– Article and photos supplied by Tukkie Fourie