8 December 2023
Nine cattle breeders from South Africa have won gold medals in a competition hosted by former South African PJ Budler. They are now in line to be designated as world champions.
Another South African-bred bull, now owned by a breeder in Botswana, also won a gold medal.
PJ is a former South African, now residing in Texas, who evaluates cattle worldwide. Cattle entered in his prestigious competition are judged by independent experts based on photos.
Breeds initially compete in four regions: Africa-Asia (including Australia and New Zealand), South America, North America and Europe. Bulls and cows participate separately.
Regional winners advance to the world championships, where the winners will be announced on December 14. The ultimate world champion will be crowned early in 2024 from all the breeds.
Roechama Elevation wins gold
Among the gold medal winners is the red Angus bull Roechama RCM 19-88 Elevation from the Malherbe family of Hertzogville. He was named the supreme South African interbreed champion at this year’s Nampo Alfa, selected from the gold cup winners of the largest shows.
Elevation was the interbreed champion at the Hertzogville, Vryburg, Bloemfontein, Nampo and Royal shows. He was sold at the recent Angus Alliance auction for a South African record price of R260 000 to Nico Pienaar of Maclaren Angus in Bloemfontein.
Other gold bulls
The other South African bulls awarded gold medals are:
- Simmentaler: Eldandi Lafras DM 20-13 from JF Malan, Riversdale.
- Droughtmaster: AGO 18-0019 Beast from AG Odendaal, Villiers.
- Bonsmara (in the ORB or other breeds section): LAR 19-373 from Derek and Tutu Ralfe, Wasbank.
- Simbra: Lekatu Buick LKT 20-15C from Dr Obakeng Mfikwe, Lichtenburg.
- Braford: SB 18-53, bred by Jan van Niekerk, Piet Retief, and now owned by Gert van der Merwe, Standerton.
- Brahman: ARC 19-22 from José Maciel, Secunda.
Botswana wins gold
Botswana won a gold medal with a Limousin, La Rhone Alligator, bred by the La Rhone stud of AJ du Toit in South Africa and sold to Kat Michaels Ranch, Gaborone.
Cows with gold medals
South African cows that won gold medals are:
- Simbra: Rotswand Fergie LZ 21-25 from Riaan van Zyl, Winburg.
Brangus: RO 18-878 from Jimmy Roberts, Hertzogville.
