Regs-etiek Legal ethics

Transcription

1 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER

2 V E R S L A G / R E P O R T Opleiding/Training -WAYNE PORTER Die komitee is: Wayne Porter as Voorsitter en komiteelede, Llewellyn Labuschagne, Theo Dicke, Tok Serfontein, Schalk Erlank, Burnie Staal, Jan Bosman en Sietze Smit, ons Bestuurder. Ons het ons jaarlikse vergadering en beoordelaarskonferensie by Francolin Creek, die plaas van Mnr Wessel Hattingh, gehou. Baie dankie aan Wessel vir die reëlings en die beskikbaarheid van beeste. Ons het n goeie kursus gehou en Namibië se keurkaart gebruik om ons oog in te kry. Dit het baie goed gewerk Opleiding en Beoordelaarskursusse Die opleidingskomitee het die afgelope jaar 4 kursusse aangebied. Mnre.Theo Dicke en Llewellyn Labuschagne het n kursus op die plaas van mnr. Willie Becker in Limpopo gehou. Tok Serfontein en Sietze Smit het een op die plaas van mnr. Henry Brits in Noordwes gehou. Mnr. Ting Braithwaite het n kursus op sy plaas in KwaZulu Natal gehou en ek was na Zambië en het n Brahman promosie- en beoordelaarskursus vir 2 dae op mnr. Neville Pinkney en mnr. Chucky Cantley se plase gehou. Dit is deur 40 persone bygewoon en ek is goed deur die Zambiese boere ontvang. Ek wil al die beoordelaars bedank vir hul verbintenis om Brahmane op skoue reg oor die land te beoordeel. Die promosie en rasbevordering gaan met groot opoffering van tyd en insette gepaard en honderde kilometers word afgelê teen baie min of geen finansiële voordele. Ek is trots op ons beoordelaars: hulle is goed opgelei oor baie jare en doen hulle taak met die bevordering en verbetering van ons Brahmanras as die nommer een taak. Skoue is n belangrike deel van ons promosie van ons Brahmanras en die promosie van elkeen se kudde. Ons as beoordelaars weet watter belangrike werk ons het, en doen ons werk met eerlikheid en integriteit, met die beoordelaarsbeleid as ons riglyn. Ek wil my komitee ook bedank vir hulle werk en bydrae tot die bevordering van ons ras en beoordelaars. Daar sal n junior Brahman beoordelaarskursus in Februarie 2014 gehou word en al die mense wat n beginnerskursus deurgekom het, is welkom om dit by te woon. Ek wil ook ons telers vra wat skou, dat, as hulle probleme het, hulle vir my moet skakel en ek en my komitee sal poog om dit uit te sorteer. Mag julle geseën word met goeie reëns. The committee is: Wayne Porter, chairman, and committee members, Llewellyn Labuschagne, Theo Dicke, Tok Serfontein, Schalk Erlank, Burnie Staal, Jan Bosman and Sietze Smit, our Manager. We held our annual meeting and judges conference at Francolin Creek, farm of Mr Wessel Hattingh. Thank you very much, Wessel, for the arrangements and the availability of cattle. We held a good course and the Namibian inspection card was used to focus our eyes. Training and Judges courses We held 4 courses from the training committee side this year. Mr Theo Dicke and Llewellyn Labuschagne held a course on the farm of Mr Willie Becker in Limpopo, Tok Serfontein and Sietze Smit held one on the farm of Mr Henry Brits in North West, Mr Ting Braithwaite held a course on his farm in KwaZulu Natal and I went to Zambia and did a Brahman promotion and judges course for 2 days on Messrs Neville Pinkney and Chucky Cantley s farms. 40 People attended and I was well hosted by the Zambian farmers. I want to thank all the judges for their commitment to judging Brahmans at the shows all over South Africa. Our judges do this important promotion and Breed improvement work at great sacrifice of time and put in hundreds of kilometres for very little, and sometimes no financial benefits. I am proud of our judges. They have been well trained over many years and perform their task with the promotion and improvement of the Brahman breed as number one goal. Shows form an important part of our promotion of the Brahman breed and the promotion of every individual herd. We as judges know what important task we have and do our work with honesty and integrity, with the judging policy as guideline. I also wish to thank my committee for their effort and contributions towards the promotion of our breed and judges. A Junior Brahman Judging Course is scheduled for February 2014 and all the people who have passed a beginners course are welcome to attend. I want to ask our breeders who show to contact me and my committee, should they encounter problems. We will endeavour to sort them out. May you be blessed with good rains. Regs-etiek Legal ethics - PIET LÜNEBURG Een van die grootste uitdagings waarmee die Brahmangenootskap gekonfronteer word, is om iets nie verkeerd te doen nie. Die Raad streef daarna om alles wat hy doen, met deursigtigheid te doen. Baie keer tot ergenis van u as telers. One of the biggest challenges facing the Brahman Society is not to do something wrong. Council tries to be transparent in everyhing it does. Often to your irritation as breeders. 22 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER 2013

3 Die afgelope jaar het die Raad skotvry gegaan, en dit is my voorreg om te sê dat niemand ons gedagvaar het nie. Wat regsadvies betref, het ons nie een aangeleentheid na n advokaat of prokureur verwys nie - ons het daarin geslaag om alles in-huis op te los, en dit is nie altyd maklik nie, maar sodoende probeer die Raad om ook u kostes so laag as moontlik te hou. Aankoop van Gebou: Met die aankoop van die gebou het ons daarin geslaag om 20% afslag van die oordragprokureurs te kry. Ek het maar mooi gepraat met my kollega; ons het self die ooreenkomste opgestel, en gekyk dat alles seepglad verloop. En dit hèt: vanoggend is ek geskakel en laat weet dat die oordrag plaasgevind het en dat ons nou die geregistreerde eienaars is van die gebou. Die spaar ons maandeliks R15,000 aan huurgeld, wat nou nie meer nodig is nie, omdat ons ons eie gebou het. Ons het baie spasie, ons is baie trots daarop en ons sien uit daarna om hierdie gebou met trots te benut. U as lede moet asseblief op pad see toe daarheen gaan - besoek die kantore en geniet n lekker koppie tee of koffie. Personeel: Ons het regtigwaar die minimum personeel wat al ons werksaamhede verrig. Ons het n kantoorhoof, rasdirekteur en dan het ons 5 dames wat in die kantoor bystaan met werk. Ek wil nou nie te veel sê nie: ons kantoor is gawe ouens, hulle doen hulle werk en ek is baie gelukkig met hulle. Ek dink ons is oor die algemeen baie gelukkig met ons personeel. Natuurlik is dit so dat ons nie van die kundigste ouens daar het nie, maar dit is ook nie nodig nie. Ons kom goed oor die weg. Die Raadslede speel n geweldige groot rol. U is bewus daarvan dat ons nie n Uitvoerende Direkteur het nie en so het elkeen sy verantwoordelikheid. Van die Raad se kant af probeer ons om die kantoor sò te administreer dat dit nie vir u nodig was om die afgelope tyd elke maand R70,000 R100,000 aan salaris te betaal nie - die Raad doen self hierdie werk. Daarvoor bedank ek die Raadslede. Dinge loop glad. Die finansiële komitee is regtigwaar vaartbelyn. Groot dank aan Francois wat ons op n voltydse basis bystaan: hy woon elke Raadsvergadering by en is ook gekoöpteer op die Raad kragtens die konstitusie, en dit maak dit vir ons maklik. U sal sien in die verslag wat ons nou gaan voorlê dat dit goed gaan met ons bedryf en ook met ons finansies. Ons kan nie anders as om vir ons Skepper dankie te sê vir alles nie. Dinge val vir ons in mooi plekke. V E R S L A G / R E P O R T The past year Council went scot-free, and it is my privilege to report that nobody has sued us. Regarding legal advice we have not referred a single issue to an advocate or attorney. We succeeded in solving everything in-house and that was not always easy, but Council, by so doing, managed to keep your costs at the minimum. Purchase of Building: With the purchasing of the building we succeeded in obtaining 20% discount from the transfer attorneys. I coaxed my colleague into compiling the agreements ourselves and overseeing the smooth running of affairs, and this morning I was contacted and informed that the transfer had taken place and that we were now the registered owners of the building. This saves us R15,000 monthly in rent, because we have our own building. We have ample space, and look forward to utilizing this building with pride. You as members must please visit the office on your way to the coast and enjoy a lovely cup of tea or coffee. Personnel: We honestly have the minimum personell to carry out our business. We have a head of office, breed director and five ladies in the office. I do not wish to say too much - our office staff are pleasant people; they perform their tasks and I am very pleased with them. I think we are generally very pleased with our staff. It is of course so that we do not have the most capable people, but we do not really need that. We get along well and our Councillors play a tremendous role. You are aware that we do not have an Executive Director and each Councillor has his responsibilty. We as Council have been attempting to administer the office in such a way that it was not necessary for you to fork out between R70,000 R100,000 in salary. Council are carrying out this task themselves. For this I thank Council members -things are running smoothly. The financial committee is indeed streamlined - sincere thanks to Francois who is assisting us on a full-time basis. He attends all Council meetings and has been co-opted on the Council in accordance with the Constitution, which makes it easier for us. You wil see in the report we are now going to table that all is well with our industry and also our finances. For this we thank our Creator. Things are going well. Wêreldkongres World Congress - WESSEL HATTINGH Registrasies en Inskrywings en Finansies - Registrasies sluit in Botswana en Namibië: 94 telers het reeds geregistreer met n totaal van 243 persone (insluitende gades ens.) Telerborge: 25 Telers het die opsie geneem as borge Losies: 8 Losies is geneem deur klubs Skou: 700 Diere is aangeteken onder haltermakskou 80 Diere is aangeteken onder nie-haltermakskou Veiling: 84 Diere voorlopig ingeskryf vir die veiling (maksimum 60 op die katalogus). 55 Verse voorlopig ingeskryf vir die versveiling (20 op die katalogus). Die totale inkomste vir bogenoemde tot datum is in die omgewing van R1, en sluit nie buitelandse registrasies in nie, wat sal Registrations and Entries and Finances Registrations, including Botswana and Namibia: 94 Breeders have already registered with a total of 243 persons (including partners, etc.) Breeder sponsors: 25 Breeders opted for sponsorship. Boxes: 8 Boxes have been taken up by clubs. Show: 700 Animals are entered under halter trained animals. 80 Animals are entered under non-halter trained animals. Auction: 84 Animals provisionally entered for auction (maximum 60 on the catalogue). 55 Heifers provisionally entered for heifer sale (20 on the catalogue). The total income for the above mentioned to date is approximately R1, and does not include the overseas registrations which B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER

4 V E R S L A G / R E P O R T toeneem oor die volgende paar maande. Borge ondersteun ons baie goed - die begrote inkomste is in die omgewing van een miljoen Rand. Aksies Augustus November: Kongresveilings: Afslaers vir die veilings is BKB in samewerking met SHM en Johan vd Nest. Simon sal die diere vir beide die Kongres en versveiling vooraf keur en weer later foto s neem. Maak asseblief seker dat die diere reeds in proses van afronding is en bly in kontak met Simon. Kongres-Joernaal: Skrywe reeds uitgestuur. Skou: Die finale inskrywings vir die skou sal begin September uitgestuur word met sluitingsdatum middel Oktober. Baie belangrik dat beplan word wie en hoeveel handleiers sal deelneem. Allwear borg n langbroek en hemp vir maksimum van 2 handleiers per teler wat inskryf. Dit sal die drag wees in die skouring. Addisionele klere sal aangekoop kan word. Komitee-werksaamhede: Verskeie aksies vind ook plaas wat insluit: Sekuriteit en veiligheid, SAP. Klank en beligting Dekor Huurtoerusting Trofees Onthaalreëlings Konferensieprogram Lokale vervoer Damesprogram ens. will increase over the next couple of months. Sponsors support us very well and the budgeted sponsor income is in the region of one million Rand. Actions: August November: Congress Auctions: Auctioneers for the sales are BKB in cooperation with SHM and Johan vd Nest. Simon will screen the animals for both the Congress and Heifer Auctions in advance and will again take photographs later on. Please make certain that the animals are already in the process of rounding off and stay in contact with Simon. Congress Journal: Communiqué already dispatched. Show: The final entries for the show will be sent out early in September, with closing date middle October. It is important that timeous planning be done as to how many handlers will be participating and who they will be. Allwear will sponsor a pair of long trousers and a shirt to a maximum of two handlers per breeder that enters. This will be the dress in the show ring. Additional clothing will be on sale. Committee activities: Different actions, among which are mentioned below, are also being taken care of: Security and safety, SAP. Sound and lighting Decor Rented equipment Trophies Reception arrangements Conference programme Local transport Ladies programme, etc. Rasverbetering Breed improvement -Sietze Smit Vrugbaarheids Kansellasies: In Maart 2013 is verse gekanselleer wat teen 46 maande nog nie gekalf het nie, n totaal van 388. Hierdie aksie het n afname in OEK van 70 (2.3 maande) gehad. Maar die aantal koeie met DLC 495+ het toegeneem van 5955 ( ) tot 6557 ( ). ILR2: Die Genootskap het in Oktober 2012 oorgeskakel na die ILR2 program. As gevolg van die verandering van bedryfstelsel en funksies van die program, het dit n rukkie geneem om al die prosesse glad te laat verloop, maar alles is nou in plek en reg vir die byvoeging van die ILR Online Module. Voerkraal besoeke: Vier amptelike besoeke is aan voerkrale gedoen om te bepaal of daar n doelbewuste negatiewe aankoop proses teen Brahmane bestaan daar bestaan geen negatiewe persepsie onder voerkraal eienaars of -kopers nie. Al die betrokke partye bevestig dat kwaliteit wissel tot 25% onder gevoerde diere, en dat dit die wins marge bepaal. n Minimum groei van 1.7kg/dag word vereis om hierdie wins marge vol te hou. Rasverbeterings Forum: Spesiale melding is gemaak van die Rasverbeterings Forum van Suidelike Afrika en Louis Meyer bedank die lede vir hulle onbaatsugtige diens aan die Forum. n Belangrike deurbraak is gemaak toe vier lande besluit het om deel te neem aan n eerste gesamentlike internasionale evaluasie. Die SA Brahman punting stelsel vir makheid is geïmplementeer dit gebruik nou n punt van 9 vir mak en 1 vir aggressief. Breed-Object: Thys Meyer is die verantwoordelike persoon vir die ontwikkeling Fertility Cancellation Report: In March 2013 heifers which haven t calved by 46 months were cancelled, totalling 388. This resulted in a reduction in AFC with 70 days (2.3 months). But number of cows with DLC of 495+ increased from 5955 ( ) to 6557 ( ). ILR2: The society changed over to ILR2 in October Due to the change in operating system and features of the program, it took a while to streamline the processes, but is running smoothly now, and ready for the addition of the ILR Online. Feedlot Visits: Four official visits were made to feedlots with the purpose to determine if there is a deliberate negative purchase process against Brahman no negative perception exists among feedlot owners or buyers in this regard. All parties confirm that quality varies up to 25% of animals fed. This is the determinator of profit margins. A minimum growth of 1.7kg/day is required to maintain these margins. Breed Improvement Forum: Special mention was made of the Breed Improvement Forum of Southern Africa and Louis Meyer thanked the members for their selfless inputs towards the Forum. An important break-through was made when four countries joined forces for the first international evaluation for Brahman. The SA Brahman scoring system for Docility was implemented the system now uses score 9 for docile and score 1 for aggressive. Breed-Object: Thys Meyer is the responsible person driving this effort. Three indices were developed for Brahman, i.e. Rangeland Grazing, Wean and 24 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER 2013

5 van die Brahman Indekse, te wete die Veld-bees, Speenkalf en Voerkraal Indeks, wat reeds geïmplimenteer is. Genomika projek: 700 medium akkuraatheid bulle is reeds geïdentifiseer, waarvan 400 hoë akkuraathede het, vir die standaard genotipering toetse. n Totaal van 1000 bulle is nodig vir n verwysingsgroep. Feedlot Index. Genomics: 700 medium accuracy bulls have already been identified, with 400 of these high accuracy bulls, for the standard genotyping test. A total of 1000 bulls are needed for a benchmark/reference group. STREEKSVERSLAG/REGIONAL REPORT KwaZulu-Natal - WILLEM VERHOEF Na n vol jaar van baie uitdagings kyk ons graag terug met trots na n paar aktiwiteite. Hoëveldklub het aangebied: a) Kursusse vir Emerging Farmers op Johan Drotsky se plaas. b) Beginners Opleidingskursus. c) Pro-aktiewe waentjie skou was n baie innoverende plan. d) Ermelo Skou. Ermelo Skou volgende jaar is n maand voor die Wêreldkongres en ook n ideale geleentheid vir telers om hulle diere en hanteerders gereed te kry. Skakel gerus die Hoëveld klub hieroor. KZN Brahman Klub is bevoorreg om goeie pryse vir hulle bulle te kry. a) Mega Meat se veiling was hoë kwaliteit en hoë pryse b) Blou bloed veiling c) Vryheid en veiling d) Steybraes Classic Sale e) Bekende ZG Bulveiling by Cedarville het die Brahmane uitsonderlik goed gevaar. Royal Skou met dank aan Ting Braithwaite en span asook 2 beoordelaars, Llewellyn Labuschagne en Burnie Staal. Die Royal is een van die grootste groeiende landbou skoue in ons land. Opleidingskursusse: a) Vryheid landbou te Clanwill b) Weston Landbou op die plaas Damview c) Cedaro Agri Kollege te V-Ranch en Damview d) Kommersiële telers Telerskursus, Damview e) Owen Sithole Agricultural College. Afgesluit met Streeksvergadering op die Plaas van Leon van der Merwe Advantage Brahmane. Voorspoed vir almal vir die res van die jaar tot ons mekaar weer sien met die wil van ons Skepper. After a full year with many challenges we take pride in looking back on a few activities. The Highveld Club presented: a) Courses for Emerging Farmers on Johan Drotsky s farm. b) Beginners Training Course. c) Pro-active wagon show - turned out to have been a very innovative plan. d) Ermelo Show. The scheduled date for this show next year is a month prior to the World Congress and an ideal opportunity for breeders to get their animals and handlers ready. Please contact the Highveld Club in this regard. KZN Brahman Club is fortunate to obtain good prices for their bulls. a) Mega Meat s auction was high quality and high prices. b) Blue blood Auction c) Vryheid Sale. d) Steybraes Classic Sale e) At the well known ZG Bull Auction at Cedarville the Brahmans did exceptionally well. Thanks to Ting Braithwaite and team, as well as two judges, Llewellyn Labuschagne and Burnie Staal who assisted at the Royal Show, The Royal is one of the largest growing agricultural shows in our country. Training Courses: a) Vryheid Agriculture at Clanwill b) Weston Agriculture on the farm Damview c) Cedara Agri College At V-Ranch and Damview d) Commercial breeders Breeders course at Damview e) Owen Sithole Agricultural College. The year s activities were concluded with a Regional Meeting on the farm of Leon van der Merwe Advantage Brahmans. Good wishes to all for the rest of the year until, God willing, we see one another again. B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER

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8 STREEKSVERSLAG/REGIONAL REPORT Limpopo Danksy legendes soos Theo Dicke, Willie Becker, Llewellyn Labuschagne, Louis Trichardt, Johan Prinsloo ens. wat die leiding gee, kan die nuwe telers onder die wakende oog van die mense met hulle teling voortgaan. Dankie dat julle bereid is om julle kennis en ervaring met die ander telers te deel. Limpopo het tans 92 telers en daar is 7250 beeste in die provinsie. Limpopo het die jaar 7 nuwe telers bygekry. Geluk ook aan Hannetjie Loots wat n ander Rooi kudde oorgekoop het. Geluk aan Andrew Smith wat BelleVue se wit kudde oorgekoop het. Daar is tans 13 telers in Limpopo wat die jaar aan skoue deelgeneem het en dan was daar ook telers wat by uitstallings betrokke was. Aktiwiteite die afgelope jaar. Opleidingsdae: Een te Nylstroom en een by Willie Becker Uitstallings: Pietersburg-skou, Windpompfees en Aan die Oewer-Fees Skoue: Ellisras onder die leiding van Julius Erasmus. Louis Meyer en Hennie Maree as beoordelaars. Thabazimbi onder die leiding van Do Mare en Rohan Beukes. Schalk Erlank en Roland Munger as beoordelaars. Letaba onder die leiding van Corrie Labuschagne. Andries Marx en Hennie Jacobs as beoordelaars. Limpopo-Kampioenskappe te Pretoria-skou. Veilings: BelleVue. R10 genetics and Ambassadors. Willie Becker Produksieveiling. Top North later die jaar. Limpopo het n stalletjie bespreek tydens die Wêreldskou en alle telers in die provinsie word genooi om n draai daar te kom maak gedurende die tydperk. - WILLEM BARNARD Thanks to legends like Theo Dicke, Willie Becker, Llewellyn Labuschagne, Louis Trichardt, Johan Prinsloo and others that provide leadership, new breeders can proceed with their breeding under the watchful eye of these men. Thank you that you are willing to share your knowledge and experience with the other breeders. Limpopo currently has 92 breeders and there are 7250 head of cattle in the province. Seven new breeders joined the ranks of Limpopo breeders this year. Congratulations to Hannetjie Loots who bought another Red herd. Congratulations also to Andrew Smith who bought BelleVue s White herd. Thirteen breeders from the Region participated in shows this year, and some were also involved in exhibitions. Activities the past year. Training opportunities: One at Nylstroom and one at Willie Becker s. Exhibitions: Pietersburg show, Windpomp festival and Aan die Oewer festival. Shows: Ellisras under the leadership of Julius Erasmus. Louis Meyer and Hennie Maree as judges. Thabazimbi under the leadership of Do Mare and Rohan Beukes. Schalk Erlank and Roland Munger as judges. Letaba under leadership of Corrie Labuschagne. Andries Marx and Hennie Jacobs as judges. Limpopo Championships at Pretoria show. Sales: BelleVue. R10 genetics and Ambassadors. Willie Becker Production sale. Top North later this year. Limpopo has reserved a stall at the World Congress and all breeders in the province are invited to call there during the proceedings. 28 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER 2013

9 STREEKSVERSLAG/REGIONAL REPORT Noord-Kaap Northern Cape - PIETER TERBLANCHE Skoue: Vryburgskou was baie suksesvol: daar was 10 telers en 98 diere wat deelgeneem het. Goeie borge met lekker pryse. Kursusse: Ons het ook die dag voor die Vryburgskou n touleierskursus saam met Schalk Erlank vir 80 skoolkinders aangebied. Dit was n groot sukses. Kalahari-klub het 2 opleidingskursusse vir skole in Jan Kempdorp en Jacobsdal aangebied. Kompetisies: Slag-oskompetisies waaraan Brahmane in 2013 gaan deelneem, is Jakkalskop, Vergeleë en Stella. Verlede jaar het Thana Trust van Thana Haasbroek die 1ste plek op die hoef met n Brahmankruisos gehaal en Framar Boerdery van Francois Hamman het die 3de plek met n Brahmangroep aan die hak behaal op Jakkalskop. Kroonvee van Jan v Zyl was die LRF vleisbeeskudde van Noord- Kaap. LNR het die pryse geborg. In Noordwes was Gideon van Zyl die Jongboer van die Jaar 2012 en Heinrich Bruwer die Jongboer van die Jaar vir Heinrich is ook as Senior Beoordelaar gekies. Hy het by die interras-kompetisie in Bloemfontein die Brahmane verteenwoordig met sy bul. Veilings: Kroonvee se veiling 2012 het 55 bulle verkoop met n gemiddeld van R en die hoogste prys was R Uit Wayne Porter se veiling van Tarka-Brahmane is daar 12 bulle verkoop met n gemiddeld van R Vryburgklubveiling word in September gehou. Verder is dit baie droog in ons streke - net in die Suide het dit gereën. Die beespryse is baie swak. Bulpryse is stabiel. n Nuwe teler in ons streek is AJ Schoeman. Ons is tans 49 lede. Sterkte aan almal vir die jaar wat voorlê! Shows: Vryburg show was very successful. There were 10 breeders and 98 animals participating, good sponsors and lovely prizes. Courses: We also, on the day before Vryburg show, presented a handlers course for 80 schoolchildren with Schalk Erlank - it was a great success. Kalahari club presented 2 training courses for schools in Jan Kempdorp and Jacobsdal. Competitions: Slaughter ox competitions where Brahmans will participate in 2013 are Jakkalskop, Vergeleë and Stella. Last year Thana Trust of Thana Haasbroek gained first prize on the hoof with a Brahman cross ox and Framar Boerdery of Francois Hamman obtained third place with a Brahman group on the hook at Jakkalskop. Kroonvee of Jan v Zyl was the LRF beef cattle herd of the Northern Cape. The ARC sponsored the prizes. In North West Gideon van Zyl was the Young Farmer of the Year 2012 and Heinrich Bruwer the Young Farmer of the Year for Heinrich was also chosen as Senior Judge. He represented the Brahmans at the Interbreed competition in Bloemfontein with his bull. Sales: Kroonvee s sale for 2012 sold 55 bulls at an average of R30 580, and the highest price was R Tarka Brahmans of Wayne Porter achieved an average of R for 12 bulls sold. The Vryburg club sale will be held in September. For the rest, it is very dry in our regions. Only the South had rain. Cattle prices are very poor. Bull prices are stable. A new breeder in our region is AJ Schoeman. We presently have 49 members. Best wishes to all for the year ahead! B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER

10 STREEKSVERSLAG/REGIONAL REPORT Vrystaat Free State - RIAAN THERON Die Vrystaaststreek is verdeel in twee klubs: die Vaalrivier- en Vrystaatklub, wat die belange van hul lede in die onderskeie geografiese liggings verteenwoordig. U is ook alreeds daarvan bewus dat die Wêreld Brahmankongres in ons streek aangebied gaan word. Die klub se voorsitters is FP Stemmet vir die Vrystaat en myself vir die Vaalrivier klub. Ons Vise-president, Wessel Hattingh, is Voorsitter van die Wêreldkongres. Andries Marx en ek dien ook in hierdie komitee. Op hierdie punt wil ek namens die hele Vrystaatstreek vir Wessel Hattingh uitsonder vir sy toegewydheid om die Wêreldkongres te organiseer. Hierdie aangeleentheid gaan n besonderse skouspel wees. Wessel, ons saluut u!! Die Vrystaters het die jaar begin met n toer na Noord-Natal. In April het hulle by hul eie klublede, Rust Brahmane, Sirkel C en Bullseye Brahmane besoek afgelê. In Julie het die klub vir Willie Becker van Nedibest en Llewellyn Labuschagne van R10 Brahmane gaan besoek vir n uitsonderlike belewenis. Namens die Vrystaatklub n groot dank aan almal wat betrokke was en vir die gasvryheid en warmte waarmee u die besoeker ontvang en onthaal het. Soos u alreeds weet, was Linde du Plessis van HOT Brahmane bekroon as die Beesboer van die jaar. Van die eerste groot advertensieborde wat langs die hoofroetes opgerig gaan word, is reeds in Bloemfontein, Senekal en Koppies afgelewer. Ek glo dat die advertensieborde n nuwe bewuswording van die Brahman sal aanwakker. Die Local Grill Restaurant in Johannesburg loods elke maand die aksie om n spesifieke ras se vleis te bedien en die uitslae in die Landbouweekblad te adverteer. In Augustus was dit die Brahman se beurt en was almal uitgenooi om aan die proses deel te neem. Die verrigtinge is deur Sietze Smit, Marinus van Jaarsveld, Bines Schoeman, Adriaan en Freek Venter en myself bygewoon. Die Brahmankarkas was 30 dae ryp gemaak en die snitte wat hulle bedien het was besonders, sag en sappig. Die Vaalrivierklub het n baie geslaagde skou verlede Oktober in Vereeniging aangebied, wat hierdie jaar herhaal word met die Vrystaat-Kampioenskappe net na die Nasionale veiling in die Afri Dome te Parys. The Free State Region is divided into two clubs: The Vaal River and the Free State Club, that represent the interests of their members in the respective geographic regions. You are, of course, already aware that the World Brahman Congress will be presented in our region. The clubs Chairmen are FP Stemmet for the Free State and myself for the Vaal River Club. Our Vice President, Wessel Hattingh, is Chairman of the World Congress. Andries Marx and I also serve on this committee. At this point I wish, on behalf of the whole Free State, to make special mention of Wessel Hattingh s exceptional dedication in organizing the World Congress. This is going to be a spectacular event. Wessel, we salute you!! The Free Staters started this year with a tour to North Natal. In April they visited their own club members, Rust Brahmane, Sirkel C and Bullseye Brahmans. In July the club called at Willie Becker of Nedibest and Llewellyn Labuschagne of R10 Brahmane for an exceptional experience. On behalf of the Free State Club hearty thanks for the hospitality and warmth with which you received and hosted the visitors. As you already know, Linde du Plessis of HOT Brahmans was crowned Beef Farmer of the year. The first of the big Brahman advertising boards that will be erected next to main roads, have been delivered in Bloemfontein, Senekal and Koppies. I believe that the advertising boards will create a new awareness for the Brahman. The Local Grill Restaurant in Johannesburg launches an action each month to serve a specific breed s meat and to publish the obtained results in Landbouweekblad. In August it was the Brahman s turn and everybody was invited to take part in the process. The event was attended by Sietze Smit, Marinus van Jaarsveld, Bines Schoeman, Adriaan and Freek Venter and myself. The Brahman carcass had been ripened for 30 days and the cuts served were really special, tender and juicy. The Vaal River Club held a very successful show in Vereeniging last year, which will be repeated this year with the Free State Championships, shortly after the National Auction in the Afri Dome, Parys. 30 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER 2013

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12 STREEKSVERSLAG/REGIONAL REPORT In Februarie vanjaar was die Vrystaat goed verteenwoordig op die toer na die Houston Rodeo en Livestock Show in Texas. Andries Marx sr. en jr., Eugene en Marchant Marais, Wessel Hattingh, my vrou, Helena, en ek het ons president en sy vrou, Corrie, en Rohan Beukes na hierdie spoggeleentheid vergesel om die Wêreld Brahmankongres te bemark. In Mei vanjaar het die Vaalrivierklub n touleiersessie aangebied wat deur meer as 22 touleiers bygewoon is. In Juniemaand het ons n streeksvergadering in die Dome gehad wat deur 11 lede bygewoon is. Wat veilings in die streek betref: daar het verskeie veilings plaasgevind. Dit kom voor of n suksesvolle veiling eerder gemeet moet word of al die diere verkoop is, as aan die prys wat per dier behaal is. Ten slotte: Hierdie kongres is vir jou, deur jou. Dit behoort aan elkeen van u. Ek rig n ernstige versoek tot u om hierdie kongres te bevorder en te ondersteun na die beste van u vermoë en om voluit deel te neem. In February this year, the Free State was well presented on tour to the Houston Rodeo and Livestock show in Texas. Andries Marx Snr and Jnr, Eugene and Marchant Marais, Wessel Hattingh, my wife, Helena, and I accompanied our President and his wife Corrie and Rohan Beukes to this superb event to promote the World Brahman Congress. In May of this year the Vaal River Club presented a handlers session attended by 22 handlers. In June we had a Regional Meeting in the Dome that was attended by 11 members. Several sales took place in the region It appears that a successful sale must not be judged by the price paid per animal, but whether all animals were sold. In conclusion: This Congress is for you, by you. It belongs to each of you. I appeal to you to support and promote the Congress to your best ability and participate to your fullest extent. 32 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER 2013

13 How do you wish to be remembered? How do you want people to remember you? My grandmother used to talk about people s remembrance, that by which people and children and grandchildren would commemorate you on your birthday and at Christmas. Well, at least then for the first few years after your death. Some people make certain that other people remember them by their epitaphs. And that is now not your run-of-the-mill rest in peace. Definitely amusing and tongue in cheek are the following: Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake; stepped on gas pedal instead of brake. Another bloke wrote: Here lies my wife, here let her lie. Now she s at rest and so am I. One of the best: Here lies Ezekiel Aikle, age 102. The good die young The widow of Pancrazio Juvenales thought it proper to mention the cause of her husband s death: Buen sposo buen padre mal electricista casero - he was a good husband, a wonderful father, but a bad electrician. To be remembered by posterity is about generativity, as the development psychologist, Erikson, denominates one of the psycho-social phases the adult has to pass through. Generativity touches the question: Do I really have a contribution to make towards the future generation s meaningful existence? It concerns escorting the next generation to deliver a positive and constructive contribution to society in a productive and creative way. The core question to me is: What do my children and grandchildren and the future generation inherit from me? And it definitely does not primarily concern money and material possessions. It is about the spiritual treasures of being human, of being happy, of accepting responsibilities for one another, loving one s neighbour, morality Christ had left a legacy that still offend those that constantly condemn and give up on others; give offence. He was called a glutton and winebibber. Because He could not stand the traditionalistic hypocritical Pharisees of His time. Because socialized with the prostitutes and publicans. He did not engage in adultery and deceit himself, but He mixed with these marginal figures. To understand them and motivate them towards real change. Therefore, during the night before He was innocently nailed to a cross, He took wine and bread and said: This is My body, this is My blood My remembrance. The song of the Manic Street Preachers of a couple of years ago keep milling in my head. I m again wrestling with the question of what we are transferring to the next generation, the negative things that we tolerate resignedly and passively every day: The future teaches you to be alone The present to be afraid and cold Holes in your head today And if you tolerate this Then your children will be next Even though I sometimes have holes (as the group sings) in my head and purse, I try that my true legacy and bequest to posterity will be the image of the living God, who does not stand aloof in an inaccessible heaven alone and cold, but who wants to be an intimate part of the lives of each of us: He who loves, accepts, forgives, gives joy and peace. This heavenly legacy I will strive to make part of my own life and share out among other people. Thìs is how I wish to be remembered May God save us from passing on a heritage of a legalistic set of rules or man made norm to posterity. We easily and triumphantly proclaim the words of Psalm 16 and incorporate them as motto: The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea I have a goodly heritage. Of course we may be proud of the positive heritage we have received from our past. But unfortunately these words are often hijacked as exclusively applicable to nationalistic folk privileges or political forces or material-economic status. The Hebrew words in Psalm 16 describe heritage as that which runs smoothly, holds together. It concerns the triumph over the internal and external factors that coarsely and sharply complicate our lives like jagged rocks. Where relations run smoothly, we inherit of God s spiritual treasures. It is no true heritage to condemn and reject others because they think and believe differently from what we do. To hold your own life together, not to yield to the pressure of problems, to make your relation with friends, family, children, parents, marriage partner and colleagues work thàt is your legacy, heritage, gift to those that succeed you in your family, work, circle of friends and society. Back to epitaphs. There was another epitaph actually there was no epitaph at this specific cavegrave, because the Man that had died, was not in the grave. He had risen from death. Jesus Wollie Grobler... Reflections B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER

14 DESIRABLE AND UNDESIRABLE B Y A L E X A S H W O O D Udders The udder of a beef cow is an extremely important physical asset which impacts on the economic, production and labour efficiency of the breeding unit. Udder soundness affects milk production, milk composition and calf weaning weights, the incidence of calf mortalities and the duration the cow stays in the herd. All these factors affect the overall profitability and productivity of the beef enterprise. The udder of a highly productive female must have the capacity to produce and deliver sufficient milk for high weaning weights and retain physical characteristics that allow repeated calvings. Without these functions the cow loses most of her breeding value. Weak udder suspension results in a pendulous udder that is difficult to suck by the new born calf. Balloon or funnel-shaped teats make it difficult for the post natal calf to suck increasing the incidence of illthrift and calf mortalities. Udder and teat unsoundness are a concern for a number of reasons:- o Extra inconvenience and additional costs o Reduced longevity due to poor suckling, injury and disease o Reduced milk flow and lower colostrum intake o Heritability of udder and teat defects o Ongoing issues associated with retaining daughters of problem bulls and cows Poorly shaped teats and badly shaped udders are a recipe for reduced profits It is subsequently important that stud breeders observe and identify the physical characteristics of sound functional udders to make more informed breeding and herd management decisions that improve udder durability and cow longevity. FUNCTION AND FORM The productive capacity of an udder is determined by its shape, size and its capacity to handle numerous calvings. The most desirable udder is one that provides sufficient levels of milk from the smallest amount of mammary tissue. It is incorrect to assume that a large udder is highly productive and that small udders are unproductive. Furthermore, there is a negative correlation between large size and udder durability. Large udders tend to contain a higher percentage of supporting tissue than medium sized pliable udders. Large udders and excessive edema at calving endanger the suspensory attachments and are prone to injury and disease (mastitis) reducing the long term durability of the udder. Cows with good udders out perform cows with POOR udders UDDER CHARACTERISTICS An ideal udder is snugly attached, symmetrical and of moderate length. The quarters should be evenly balanced with medium sized teats placed squarely under each quarter. A side view of the udder should show a level udder floor without quartering. The median suspensory ligaments support the udder to the cows body thus a strong suspensory attachment is essential for a satisfactory mammary system. A cow with weak suspensory attachment is subject to several problems: 34 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER 2013

15 The udder floor may drop further weakening the udder attachment Once the floor has dropped the teats will stick outwards making them more prone to injury. The mammary system may deepen to a point where the calf can t suck. Good udder attachment and sound teats improve cow longevity The foreudder should be of moderate length and strongly attached. Extra long foreudders are meaty and frequently break away from the body wall. The rear udder should be attached high to the body with moderate width and show a strong median suspensory attachment. The udder texture should be soft and pliable free from congestion and hardness. Figure 1 Studies show that cows with medium sized well attached udders weaned faster growing and heavier calves than cows with bottle teats and/or pendulous udders. Cows with desirable udders also reared more cows due to longer lifetime production and less mortalities. It is essential that a much greater emphasis be placed on selecting bulls and cows that improve udder traits particularly the median ligament and the acceptable placement of the shape and size of the teats. GENETIC PARAMETERS Studies suggest that the moderate heritabilities of udder depth (0.16), udder attachment (0.17), teat placement (0.24), teat size (0.18) and udder shape (0.24) permit gradual change through selection. Furthermore, the genetic correlations between udder traits imply that the selection for improvement of one trait results in the improvement in other traits. Figure 2 Figure 3 shows the udder of an 18 year old cow which has endured the hazards of numerous lactations and retains its full functional capacity and highly desirable form. SHAPE & VISUAL ASSESSMENT It is beneficial when forming a concept on the form and appearance of desirable udders to examine as many udders as possible. Figures 1 and 2 provide excellent examples of good udders. It is noted that the udder is strongly attached to the front and back to the body, that the teats have medium size and shape and hang plumb and the udder has moderate length without too much depth. Figure 3 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER

16 Figure 4 is the daughter of this aged cow which demonstrates the desirable traits of the cow, ie good shape and texture of the udder and medium size and good placement of the teats. Figure 6 Figure 4 The highly desirable udder aspects of a 2 year old heifer are well demonstrated in Figure 7. The udder provides an excellent example of symmetry, desirable length, shape and softness without excess skin. Figure 5 shows the desirable characteristics common to a good non lactating udder. The udder is fully collapsed and shows excellent texture. The attachments are firm showing no evidence of breaking away from the body wall and the uniform teats, medium sized are well placed on a level udder floor. Figure 7 Figure 5 Figure 8 provides the example of a heifer with good capacity and shape and medium teats that are well attached. The rear attachment is high and wide and the folds of skin indicate capacity without looseness and meatiness. The tendency of the teats to hang straight downward from the centre of each quarter indicates strong median support. Figure 6 is a further example of a desirable non lactating udder. The udder of this 19 year old cow is even, has well placed teats with excellent shape and size. Figure 8 36 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER 2013

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18 Undesirable udders can be divided into two main groups. Those that are the result of:- o Poor teat shape and placement o Poor udder shape and attachment The implications of udder defects on the efficiency and productiveness of the cow differ with the various degrees of udder abnormalities. Certain shape defects may influence eye appeal more than functionality whilst teat defects often make the cow unacceptable as a viable breeder. Abnormalities increase labour costs and since most producers are becoming time poor due to increased size and scale of operation the inconvenience caused by udder defects is becoming less tolerated. Teat Problems: it is probable that these defects have the greatest detrimental impact on functional capacity and durability. Deviations from highly acceptable forms are varied, however, bottle and excessively long thick teats cause the greatest problems to new born calves. Cows with these defects should receive serious consideration regarding the retention of their progeny in the herd. Udder Problems: most of these abnormalities arise from attachment failure in conjunction with size and shape. Figures 9 and 10 show udders with poor shape, teat placement, texture and the body attachment is narrow, weak and short. Udder Edema: Congestion, or accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces in the udder, is physiologically normal for cows and heifers at calving but severe cases should be less than 2-3 per cent of the herd. Severe edema can interfere with calf suckling and may predispose the premature breakdown of the udder. Udder edema occurs primarily as a result of the restriction in blood and lymph flow from the lower abdomen due to fetal pressure in the pelvic cavity. Edema is most common at calving particularly with well conditioned heifers. The problem is compounded if there are udder and teat defects. Severe edema can reduce udder durability since ligaments and attachments can be stretched and seriously challenged. Because edema exists in the outer tissue severe cases can cause the skin to be leathery, cracked and tough limiting calf sucking. Figure 11 shows a severe case of edema with swelling to the belly, udder and teats. The edemic tissue covering the front and rear of the udder is 2-3 cms thick reducing access to the teats leading to extreme discomfort. Chronic cases of edema can permanently reduce the softness and pliable nature of the udder and cause problems in subsequent calvings. Figure 11 Figure 9 Figure 10 BOTTOM LINE Udder unsoundness shortens the lifetime and productiveness of cows. Whilst there has been an increased emphasis on the underline of bulls it is equally important to consider the underline of cows, ie consider the functionality of the key productive unit of the cow the udder. Undesirable udders seriously impact on cow productivity through poor udder health, dry quarters, increased labour costs, reduced profits, increased calf mortalities and reduced weaner weights. Additionally, cows with undesirable udders and teats can pass these defects to their progeny magnifying the problem. 38 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER 2013

19 The two key types of bad udders include funnel shaped teats and weak attachments. Observing, reporting, culling and selecting to avoid these defects on both sides of the pedigree will eventually improve the form, function and durability of udders and ultimately the quality of the herd. When selecting replacements emphasis should be placed on desirable udders Increased emphasis on udder and teat improvement will increase profits through:- o More beef produced per cow o Improved herd and breeding management o Increased productivity through less wastage o Better udder health and less injuries o Reduced labour and variable costs o Emphasis on selection rather than forced culling Identification and removal of cows with unsound udders and using genetics (ie bulls and females) with a history of well shaped udders will lead to cummulative gains in udder structure and soundness. Most udder traits are moderately heritable offering opportunities for gradual improvement of udders through visual selection of females and the dams of bulls. Since only half of the heritable traits are passed on by the bull female assessment in combination with sire selection most likely to give greatest benefits in udder and teat shape and size. Since there is a high correlation between functionality of well formed udders and eye assessment, udder scoring can be a valuable breeding and marketing tool for stud breeders. APPENDIX UDDER SCORING Udder and teat quality are the key functional characteristics of the cow and deserve the same attention given to other selection and production criteria used by studs. Udder scoring is basically the continuous assessment and reporting of udder soundness based on teat size and shape and udder shape and attachments. These characteristics (traits) are the most significant aspects of udder functionality. Like most management tools, udder scoring is subjective and requires standardization but assessment leads to improved knowledge on which to make more informed breeding and selection decisions. The improved knowledge of the herds and individual cow status also provides important feedback to potential purchases of stud stock (bulls and heifers). Udder scoring is a powerful management and marketing tool. PROCESS Since udders change with subsequent lactations, udder scoring is a continuous process and requires good reporting. o Assessment needs to be standardized and practised to acquire the necessary skills to achieve repeatable and consistent results. o Stock should be assessed each year at calving and the results recorded with other important calving details. o The best time to udder score is hrs after calving. o Records should be monitored on an ongoing basis to assess change and make the appropriate herd and breeding management decisions. POTENTIAL BENEFITS Assessing, reporting and acting on udder scores can lead to the following benefits: o Improved profitability through better breeding and herd management decisions o Identification of genetics that leads to durable udders and cows longevity. o Decreased labour costs associated nursing calves and poor udder health. o Introduction of standards and guidelines regarding the retention and sourcing of breeding stock (bulls and heifers). o Ongoing improvement in udder quality and functionality improving profits and the value of the herd. o Identification of cows that have minimal udder problems at calving. o Benchmarks to set clear objectives and targets regarding phenotypic standards for udders and teats. o Increased credibility with clients and potential purchasers of stud stock (bulls and females). EXAMPLE OF AN UDDER SCORING CHART Each producer can simply compile a chart to meet their individual goals and targets for udder conformation. The standards can then be used to make in herd comparisons and more informed breeding and herd management decisions. An excellent vessel and teats with good symmetry, attachment and texture allows the placement and spacing of ideally sized and shaped teats. B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER

20 A very good udder with level floor, strong attachments and soft pliable texture. Good shape and spacing of teats. A functional udder with good teats but weak front attachment may pose a problem in subsequent lactations. A very functional udder with good symmetry and excellent texture. Good front and rear attachment and teat shape and size. Potentially a problem udder due to size and poor body attachment is compounded by poor teat shape and spacing. A functional udder with excellent teats and texture but lacks balance and strength of front and rear attachments. An uneven udder with tendencies to break down with age. Poor teat spacing and potentially large front teats reduces sucking and milk intake by the new born calf. 40 B R A H M A N Joernaal Journal OKTOBER/OCTOBER 2013