Dundee’s reputation as the hub of the cattle industry in KZN was enhanced at another record-breaking quality slaughter stock show and sale hosted by the Dundee and District Farmers Union.
Judges in the cattle and sheep sections were impressed by the quality of the stock shown and the hard work farmers put into nurturing stock during chronic drought conditions.
There were 154 show cattle and 80 sheep on show and a total of 572 cattle, 107 sheep and 26 goats on sale.
LJ Marais and Dr Jacqui Marais of JJM Farming had an excellent day, taking home a heap of prizes including the coveted Supreme Champion Floating Trophy and Rosette. The Supreme Champion, weighing in at 610kg, was bought by Shiraz Amod of Newcastle for R16 600 (R27,21kg – up from last year’s Champion price of R23,96 per kg). The Reserve Champion was shown by the De Jager family (Nick, Shaun and Ian) of Hattingspruit and also bought by Shiraz Amod for R13 500 (R27,27 per kg).
Cattle judges, Edgar Wichmann, from the South Coast and Douglas Fletcher, Mooi River, told the Courier that they were ‘highly impressed with the conformation and quality of the cattle presented “The muscling (of the cattle) was tremendous and it was difficult to judge the animals and to separate them into a winner and not a winner was about splitting hairs. It is great that the Dundee area can put on such a well-organised show… congratulations to the Committee,” said Douglas.
Carcass category
Dreykon won the Supreme Champion Carcass which sold for R13 572 (R52 per kg) and bought by Ingudlane Lodge. Judges described the fat spread on this animal being impeccable to the extent that if a small conformation lapse was up to spec, the animal could have won the National Carcass Competition in Vryburg for 2018.
The Reserve Champion Carcass belonged to LJ and Dr Jacqui Marais of JJM Farming and was bought by Battle Creek Spur and OK Supermarket for R12 900 (R50 per kg).
The champion group of carcasses was also bred and presented by LJ and Dr Jacqui Marais. Paying close attention to detail is their secret.
“The couple is passionate about the beef industry and constantly keeping up with technology. Their carcasses were like peas in a pod. Perfect fat spread and great conformation,” commented Andrew Adams of the Dundee Farmers Association. Anton Ferreira of Triple C feedlot purchased these animals.
Dr Andy Hentzen, of Triple C Feedlot, who fed 70% of the animals on show, was also very happy with the quality of animals put into the feedlot for feeding. The growth efficiency of the group in the feeding exercise was considerably higher than the previous year. He will be monitoring this for farmers who are moving forward with technology. The monitoring exercise will be presented to the livestock study groups of Dundee, Vryheid and Normandien/Newcastle for future participation.
Selwyn Odayan and Chris Ngeleza judged these carcasses early on Sunday morning. The two impressive points they noted was the incredible fat spread on the carcasses as well as generally the very impressive conformation and muscling of the hindquarters and shoulders. They mentioned that if Dundee wants to move forward, more emphasis must be placed on breeding better the loin areas in their cattle.
The heaviest ox on show belonged to Zama Retailers of Normandien and weighed in at a startling 1065kg. The buyer, Bosco Meats of Newcastle, paid R26 200 for the animal.
Sheep section
The Champion Lamb on show belonged to Dreykon Farming and was bought by the GMA Peer Trust for R3000 (R61,22 per kg).
Kenny Robinson and daughter, Jenny Rosewall, showed the Reserve Champion which was also bought by the GMA Peer Trust for R2750 (R62,50 per kg).
Rudolph Gevers of Blood River – one of the three best sheep judges in KZN and himself a tremendous Ile de France sheep breeder and Royal Show winner – judged this section. He remarked how ‘astonished’ he was to find the sheep in such ‘a truly wonderful condition’. “It is especially pleasing to note that the sheep this year were not over fat.” The auctioneer was Mark Hohls and Farmers Union chairman, the inimitable Herman de Wet, thanked BKB Louwid for their excellent services to the farmers and for conducting the sale.
“Everyone knows the hard times the agricultural and industrial sectors – in fact, the whole economy – is going through. The quality of the animals that we have seen today is proof that our area plays an important role in the economy… we must continue to work hard, produce and stay true. As it says in the Good Book “God will never abandon us” – please believe that as you go out and continue to make difference to our community.” Prizes to the value of R141 000 were presented with special guest, Lettie Labuschagne (widow of Wasbank farmer, Dawid of Blinkwater Farm – a farm which has been in the family for 100 years), handing out the prizes to the winners.
The day ended with the traditional braai and tremendous fellowship between farmers, friends and BKB staff.
