Properly designed crossbreeding systems can be used to increase cow profitability, without incurring additional cost.
By Charl van Rooyen, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
This was the advice from Dr Georgette Pyoos, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Irene, at the annual Beef Cattle School at the 2025 Thabazimbi Agricultural Show. The event was co-hosted by the ARC and the Bushveld Kalahari Afrikaner Cattle Study Group. Farmers from Limpopo and other provinces attended the school.
Dr Pyoos gave examples of increases in cow profitability in experiments at the Vaalharts research station, where Afrikaner, Bonsmara and Nguni cows were mated with Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Nguni, Angus and Simmentaler bulls in all possible combinations. Brahman x Afrikaner increased by 12%, Simmentaler x Afrikaner by 15%, Angus x Nguni by 21% and F1 Afrikaner cows by up to 49%.
Also read: Breeding beef cattle in a time of climate change: 14 interventions
Climate Challenges Threaten Traditional Farming
Farmers are facing increasing challenges because of climate patterns such as more frequent droughts, unpredictable rainfall, disease outbreaks, heart stress in livestock and degraded pastures. Some of the impacts on beef cattle farming are reduced productivity and pasture quality, water scarcity and increased disease susceptibility. The farmer’s solution is to produce more by increasing profitability and income, adapt to become more resilient and reduce the impact by contributing to a healthier environment.
This can be achieved with climate-smart agriculture (CSA): smart water management (for example rainwater harvesting and water-wise pasture irrigation), sustainable pasture and forage management (drought-resistant grasses, rotational grazing and fodder banks), improved livestock management (heat stress mitigation, breed selection for resilience and animal health strategies) and soil health (no-till practices and cover crops). The ARC has developed a CSA toolkit for beef cattle farmers.
Also read: Kudos to Prof. Bonsma for the Bonsmara, SA’s most successful composite breed
Real Benefits for Your Farm and Pocket
The real benefits for your farm, livestock and pocket are:
Increased productivity and profitability. Higher calving rates, weight gain, improved milk production and reduced feed costs.
Enhanced resilience. Your farm and livestock will be better prepared for droughts, heatwaves and other climate challenges.
Reduced risks. Less reliance on unpredictable weather, leading to a more stable income.
Improved resource efficiency. Make better use of water, land and feed.
Healthier environment. Contribute to better soil, cleaner water and a more sustainable future for your community.
Access to knowledge. Gain valuable insights and support from ARC experts.
Also read:
A new red-coated cattle breed makes its debut
Cool cows produce more milk: Adapting dairy farming to a hotter climate
How climate change is reshaping beef cattle production in SA
