For new stud breeders, success starts with choosing animals suited to their environment, using reliable data and learning from a few trusted mentors, says livestock expert Marius Barkhuizen.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Marius Barkhuizen has spent years working with livestock breeders across Southern Africa, judging cattle and advising farmers on breeding decisions. As breed director of Droughtmaster SA and breed advisor to the Limousin Cattle Breeders’ Society of Southern Africa, he has seen both the successes and costly mistakes of new breeders.
For young farmers entering stud breeding, his message is straightforward: Do not chase fashion. Start with a breed you believe in, select functional animals suited to your environment, and build your knowledge before making expensive breeding decisions.
He believes the breed itself is less important that the breeder’s commitment to making it work. “Breed what you like,” he says. “There is no use breeding Brahmans if you don’t like them. Even if it is Dexters, you can make a success out of it.”
Also read: The goat farmer’s manual | Simple feeding rules for healthy and sick goats
Use technology, but develop your eye
Modern breeding has given farmers access to tools that previous generations could only dream of. DNA testing, performance records and other data can help breeders make more informed decisions, but Barkhuizen says technology should complement rather than replace practical livestock knowledge.
“DNA testing has become a must for you to make the right decisions,” he says. Correct parentage is particularly important. DNA testing can confirm the sire and dam of a calf, giving the breeder reliable information when deciding which animals should form the foundation of the next generation.
But technology alone will not make a good stockman. “Learn as much as you can about the breed and attend as many shows, courses and farmers’ days as possible,” he advises.
He also encourages young breeders to do judging courses, from beginner to senior level, and to become actively involved in their breed society.
The combination of data, formal training and time spent observing cattle in the field helps farmers develop the “eye” needed to recognise quality.
Also read: Why doing less – but doing it precisely – makes livestock farms more profitable
Match the animal to the environment
One of the most expensive mistakes Barkhuizen sees among new breeders is buying cattle that are unsuitable for the conditions in which they will have to perform.
Farmers should first assess their terrain, grazing resources and production system before selecting breeding stock. A farm with steep mountains and hills, for example, may require a smaller-framed animal that can move efficiently over difficult terrain. Parts of the Free State with abundant grazing and maize production, on the other hand, can support larger-framed cattle.
The lesson is not to buy an animal simply because it looks impressive in the sale ring, but to buy one that is suited to your farm’s conditions.
Adaptability builds resilience
With increasingly unpredictable weather and tougher production conditions, adaptability is becoming an essential component of profitable breeding.
One way of reducing the risk of poor adaptation is to source animals from environments that are reasonably similar to your own.
“My advice is to buy animals close to where you farm, if possible,” Barkhuizen says.
For a young farmer, this can be an important consideration when buying foundation animals. A cheaper or visually impressive animal from another region may ultimately prove expensive if it struggles to adapt, reproduce or maintain condition.
Also read: From animal health to finance: What emerging farmers need to know to go commercial
Build a small circle of trusted mentors
Stud breeding is a long-term investment, and Barkhuizen believes young farmers should deliberately build relationships with experienced breeders and breed officials.
Too many opinions can leave a young breeder confused and constantly changing direction. “Don’t believe everything you hear, and don’t take advice from everyone,” he says.
He recommends identifying two or three experienced people whose judgement you trust and using them as core advisers. Breed societies and breed directors can provide an important starting point because they understand the breed standards, breeding objectives and technical requirements.
For the next generation of stud breeders, Barkhuizen’s advice comes down to this: Know which cattle you want to breed, understand your environment, use reliable information, keep learning and surround yourself with the right people.
In a business where genetic progress takes years rather than months, making the right decisions at the beginning can make the difference between simply owning stud cattle and building a profitable breeding enterprise.
Also read:
WATCH | This is what a bull should look like
Good record-keeping helps you manage cash flow and profits
How to turn your farm records into profitable business decisions
