God’s gift to Cattlemen

NEWSLETTER / NUUSBRIEFJUNIE 2016 JUNE

PAGE /BLADSY

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT / BOODSKAP VAN DIE PRESIDENT 3-4

DIE VERE MAAK DIE VOËL 5

STAYING IN TOUCH / BLY IN VOELING

Sparta Feedlot Results – Boran Crossbred Weaners 6-7

Skedule O Vorms nou makliker om te voltooi 8

Per Capita Lists 8

Hoe beeïndig ek my lidmaatskap? / How do I cancel my membership? 13

ERRATA

Moments from the Afridome 15

NEW HORIZONS / NUWE HORISONNE

2016 Boran Expo 9

CLUB NEWS / KLUB NUUS

Pioneer in the Eastern Cape Fronteir Country – the Pioneer bull auction held under the auspices of the Boran Breeders’ Society on 22 April, 2016

10-11

HIER, DAAR EN ORALS / HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE

Uitmuntende Prestasies 12

SOLVING THE MYSTERY...

What is direct dealing? 12

THE AWESOME “CHINESE BAMBOO TREE STORY” 14

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the authors of the articles featured in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Boran Society.VRYWARING: Die menings van die skrywers soos in die publikasie vervat, weerspieël nie noodwendig die mening van die Boran Genootskap nie.

INHOUDSOPGAWENUUSBRIEF DESEMBER 2015

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In addition to all of these activities, Council also held a workshop at the end of June to review our Strategic Management Plan progress. The outcome of this workshop will be shared with all members at the AGM and progress against the updated plan will be reported in future newsletters.

In the meantime I am glad to report that we have made significant progress in a number of areas. The marketing actions have continued at an increased pace in 2016 with breeder and technical articles appearing regularly in the main agricultural periodicals. This will continue through to the end of the year. Information and farmer days, exhibitions at shows like Nampo and the Royal Show, and Club activities such as the Free State Expo, have all contributed to the further promotion of our breed. Our 2016 Boran Journal has been published and, once again, it is indeed a wonderful showcase for our breed. Supporting these marketing efforts are initiatives like a refreshed clothing range and a continuously updated website.

On the technical side we have also been busy. The team of Area Inspection Co-ordinators is now fully operational and we have established a structured inspection process throughout the country. In support of this a series of inspector training courses has been launched, with a number of new junior inspectors already having already been appointed. The

Behalwe hierdie aktiwiteite, het die Raad ook ‘n werkswinkel aan die einde van Junie gehou, ten einde die vordering van ons Strategiese Bestuursplan te hersien. Die uitkoms van hierdie werkswinkel sal met alle lede op die Algemene Jaarvergadering gedeel word en sal ook in ons volgende nuusbriewe gerapporteer word.

In die tussentyd is ek dankbaar om te meld dat ons beduidende vordering in ‘n hele aantal areas gemaak het. Die bemarkingsaksies het teen ‘n verhoogde pas in 2016 voortgegaan, met teler- en tegniese artikels wat gereeld in die belangrikste landboutydskrifte verskyn. Dit sal deur die jaar voortgaan. Inligtings- en boeredae, uitstallings op skoue soos Nampo en die Royal Shou, asook Klubaktiwiteite soos die Vrystaat Expo, het almal bygedra tot die verdere promosie van ons ras. Ons 2016 Boran Joernaal is gepubliseer en weer eens is dit werklik ‘n wonderlike pronkstuk vir ons ras. Om hierdie bemarkingspogings te ondersteun, is inisiatiewe soos ‘n nuwe klerereeks, asook die volgehoue opdatering van ‘n webblad.

Aan die tegniese kant was ons ook baie besig. Die span van koordineerders as Area Inspekteurs is nou ten volle operasioneël en ons het ‘n gestruktureerde inspeksieproses regdeur die land daargestel. Ter ondersteuning hiervan is ‘n reeks opleidingskursusse vir inspekteurs reeds geloods, tesame met ‘n aantal nuwe junior inspekteurs wat reeds

MESSAGE FROM THE / BOODSKAP VAN DIE

As I write this we are approaching the close of another Boran year. This is always a very busy time as we prepare for our National Sale, our Annual General Meeting, our annual Dinner, and various other activities that take place on that

same occasion. Considering the enormous effort that is being devoted to all these arrangements, I am sure that this event will, once again, be the highlight of our year.

Terwyl ek hier skryf, nader ons die einde van nog ‘n Boran-jaar. Dit is gewoonlik ‘n baie besige tyd, aangesien ons vir ons Nasionale-veiling, ons Algemene Jaarvergadering, ons Jaarlikse Dinee en verskeie ander aktiwiteite wat tydens

dieselfde geleentheid plaasvind, voorberei. As die enorme poging wat met hierdie reëlings gepaard gaan in ag geneem word, is ek seker dat hierdie gebeurtenis weer eens die hoogtepunt van die jaar sal wees.

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revised Inspector’s Handbook together with the revised ‘Rules for Sales under the Auspices of the Society’ have provided a solid framework within which the inspectors can operate.

Promoting our breed to commercial farmers remains a key focus for the Boran breed. In this regard, a number of information days and exhibitions have been held throughout the country. Another aspect of the commercial beef sector that is important to us is, of course, the role of the feedlots in the industry. In this regard the Free State Club initiated a Feedlot trial at Sparta Beef involving a group of Boran cross weaner calves. The outcome of this trial was very positive and a full report features elsewhere in this newsletter. It is indeed encouraging to know that the Sparta team will be conducting further trials to assist us in establishing our cattle in this part of the industry.

Although we have made very good progress in many aspects of our strategic plan, we are still faced with a number of challenges.

One example is the very important need for further formal Boran research to be carried out, and for the results from that research to be applied in the commercial promotion of our breed. Our collaboration with the University of Fort Hare has resulted in two research projects that are currently underway. In addition, our participation in the Beef Genomics Programme will certainly create further opportunities to conduct research into some of the aspects of the performance and functionality of our breed.

In summary, I am satisfied that we (Council, office staff, and fellow breeders) are on the right road. Clearly, there are many challenges that face us, but with a good understanding of our strengths and weaknesses, and a clear view of the opportunities and threats that face us, we have been able to formulate a strategic management plan that is taking us along the road to becoming ‘the lowest cost beef breed of choice’.

I trust that you will enjoy reading this issue of our newsletter. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any other member of our Council/office team if you have an idea that you would like to share with us or a problem that needs attention.

With best Boran wishes

Ed Koller

aangewys is. Die hersiene Inspekteurshandboek, tesame met die hersiene Veilingsreëls onder die beskerming van die Genootskap het ‘n vasste raamwerk voorsien, waarbinne die inspekteurs kan optree.

Om ons ras aan kommersiële boere bekend te stel, bly steeds ‘n kernfokuspunt van die Boran-ras. In die verband, was ‘n paar inligtingsdae en tentoonstellings oor die land gehou. ‘n Ander aspek wat vir ons belangrik is in die bees sektor, is natuurlik die rol van die voerkrale in die ndustrie. In hierdie verband het die Vrystaat Klub ‘n Voerkraal poging by Sparta Beef inisieer, wat ‘n groep kruis Boran speenkalwers insluit. Die uitkoms van hierdie probeerslag was baie positief en ‘n volledige verslag word elders in die nuusbrief weergee. Dit is beslis aanmoedigend om te weet dat die Sparta-span gewillig is om verdere toetse uit te voer, ten einde ons te help om ons beeste in hierdie deel van die industrie te vestig.

Alhoewel daar baie goeie vordering gemaak is in baie aspekte van die strategiese plan, is daar steeds ‘n aantal uitdagings wat ons in die gesig staar.

Een voorbeeld hiervan is die baie belangrike behoefte aan die uitvoering van verdere formele Boran-navorsing en om die resultate van daardie navorsing op die kommersiële promosie van ons ras toe te pas. Ons samewerking met die Universiteit van Fort Hare het tot twee navorsingsprojekte wat tans aan die gang is, gelei, terwyl ons deelname aan die Beef Genomics Programme beslis verdere geleenthede in die verband sal skep.

Ter opsomming kan ek meld dat ek tevrede is dat ons (die Raad, kantoorpersoneel en mede-telers) op die regte pad is. Dit is duidelik dat daar baie uitdagings is wat ons in die gesig staar, maar met ‘n goeie begrip van ons swak en sterk punte, asook ‘n helder uitsig van die geleenthede en bedreigings wat ons in die gesig staar, was ons in staat om ‘n strategiese bestuursplan te formuleer, wat ons oppad neem om die “laagste koste beesras van keuse” te word.

Ek vertrou dat u dit sal geniet om hierdie uitgawe van die nuusbrief te lees. Soos altyd moet u asseblief nie huiwer om my, of enige ander lid van die Raad/kantoorspan, te kontak indien u enige idee het om met ons te deel, of ‘n probleem het wat ons aandag nodig het nie.

Met die beste Boran-wense

Ed Koller

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Feedlots play a very large role in the beef industry in South Africa. The majority of beef consumed in South Africa is supplied by the feedlot industry. The main commercial cattle breeding practice in South Africa is also the weaner calf production system, where calves are sold to feedlots after weaning them from their mothers. For the Boran breed to succeed in the South Africa, it is crucial that Boran bulls sold to commercial cattle farmers produce calves that do well under feedlot conditions.

The Free State Boran Club organised a trial with Sparta Feedlot to ascertain the performance of a group of Boran crossbred weaners in their feedlot. This initiative was organised by Rikus

Stander and supported by members of the Free State Boran Club.

The results are great news for the Boran breed. In particular, the feed conversion rates (FCR), both during

backgrounding and the feedlot phase were better than the feedlot average and the slaughter percentage was also excellent. Sparta management was very positive about the results of this particular group of Boran crossbred weaners. We would like to thank Sparta Feedlot for their willingness to accommodate us and for all their time and effort.

Weaner typeOn the 10th of July 2015, 81 weaners supplied by various members of the Free State Boran Club were delivered to Sparta Feedlot in Marquard. The animals were mainly F1 (50%) crosses and, there were also some F2 (75%) crosses (about 15 animals). The weaners were the result of Boran stud bulls crossbred to mainly European type foundation cows.

Sparta tour & Backgrounding performanceA group of about 20 people visited Sparta on the 10th of October to view the animals that had by now completed their “backgrounding phase” and were in the feedlot proper. Importantly, there were cattle buyers from various livestock auction companies present. Sparta management was very hospitable and gave us a grand tour of their facilities. The tour included viewing of the processing of weaners entering the feedlot for the first time,

viewing of animals at various stages of their feedlot life and a look at the complex feed storage and mixing facility. A highlight was viewing their incredible silage bunkers, which have been awarded the best silage quality in South Africa for the last 2 years!

During the backgrounding phase, an average daily gain (ADG) of the group at 1.46kg per day was consist with the feedlot long-term average, but interestingly the feed conversion rate (FCR) of 1 kg of live mass gain per 4.36 kg of dry mass eaten was much better than the feedlot average. When asked which was more important, Mr Tinus Greyling (head buyer for Sparta) emphatically stated that FCR is much more important for the profitability of the feedlot which was very good news for the Boran.

At this point, the Boran group had been in the main feedlot for 55 days and had an ADG of 1.61kg. This was again approximately the average of the feedlot, but not much more could be said as we were not given the FCR and the animals still had a long way to go.

118 day performanceAnother visit took place on the 9th of December 2015, the week before the animals were due to be slaughtered. The animals were weighed on the 8th of December after 118 days in the feedlot. The ADG was 1.77, which is excellent and well above the feedlot average.

BORAN CROSSBRED WEANERS

SPARTA FEEDLOT RESULTS:

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Final results and slaughter percentagesThe final ADG was 1.63 after taking into account the death of 5 animals. The ADG of the group before accounting for fatalities was 1.77 kg per day per animal. Interestingly, one of the animals that died was the poorest performer at the first viewing with an ADG of only 0.18kg per day, but two others had been very good performers with ADG figures of 2.04 and 2.13 respectively. An important reason to continue to pilot the Boran in the feedlot would be to establish whether this number of deaths is a once off or whether the Boran are more susceptible to deaths under feedlot conditions than other breeds.

Overall, this specific group of Boran crossbred animals performed very well in the feedlot environment. Their ADG of 1.63kg gained per animal per day was slightly higher than the feedlot average. Their FCR of 1kg of live weight gained per 4.87kg of dry matter eaten was well above average. The slaughter percentage of 58.83% was also outstanding and the grading of the carcasses was also very good (8 x A3, 68 x A2, 1 x A1).

ConclusionWe can be very happy with these results, but we also need to acknowledge that it is only one group of animals. We need to continue to run

PURCHASE DATE 10 JULY, 2015 NUMBER 81 BORAN CROSSBRED WEANERS WEIGHT 218 KILOGRAMS PRICE/kg R20-50 PRICE TO FARMER PRICE/kg R21-20 TO FEEDLOT INCLUDING TRANSPORT

BACKGROUNDINGSTART WEIGHT 218 KILOGRAMS END WEIGHT 266.18 KILOGRAMS # DAYS 33 ADG 1.46 FCR 4.36 (KG DRY MATTER PER KG LIVE WEIGHT GAIN)

FEEDLOTSTART WEIGHT 266.18 KILOGRAMS END WEIGHT 468.48 KILOGRAMS # DAYS 124 ADG (BEFORE ATTRITION) 1.77 ADG (AFTER ATTRITION) 1.63 (5 DEATHS) MID WEIGHT ADG % 44% FCR 4.87 (KG DRY MATTER PER KG LIVE WEIGHT GAIN)

ABATTOIRSLAUGHTER % 58.83% CARCASS WEIGHT 275.61 KILOGRAMS A1 1 A2 68 A3 8

more feedlot pilots and gather much more information to be able to make informed decisions.

For now, the good news is that Sparta were very happy with the results and that they were able to make a decent profit from these animals. At this stage, there is nothing to indicate that Boran crossbred weaners do not perform in the feedlot. Based on the performance of this one group, Mr Tinus Greyling, head buyer for Sparta stated emphatically that he would not discriminate on the purchase of this type of animal. Mr Lou van Reenen, co-owner of Sparta and feedlot director has stated personally that the final results were very good and that we should be pleased.

However, Mr Greyling and Mr Van Reenen were both quick to add that this was one pen of particularly good animals and that the results of this trial were by no means a guarantee

that all Boran crossbred animals would fair so well. There are huge variances within breeds and even more so with cross breeding to a multitude of other breeds. Sparta Feedlot does not buy breeds – there is no set price for a specific breed and each lot of animals bought is evaluated based on their perceived (backed by experience) potential. It is also extremely important to note that these were not pure Boran weaners, but mostly first generation (F1) crosses with Angus cows that have a good performance history in feedlots. This feedlot trial therefore does not address the question of whether pure Boran animal are suitable for feedlot conditions.

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Die gebruik van embrios om gewensde genetika vinnig te vermeerder is veral baie gewild by ‘n ras wat in ‘n opbou fase is, soos die Boran. Die administrasie daaragter is egter moeilik en soms baie frustrerend. Die Boran Genootskap het ‘n ernstige beroep op Stamboek gedoen om die proses en administrasieproses te vergemaklik.

Dit het Stamboek genoop om, met inagneming van die wetlike aspekte die proses baie meer te vereenvoudig en vaartbelyn te maak. Die nuwe Skedule O vorm, tesame met die veranderinge aan die Stamboek Grondwet op verlede jaar se Algemene Jaarvergadering, is aanvaar. Stamboek het verder gegaan en die opneem van die Skedule O dokumentasie vergemaklik deur ‘n fasiliteit te skep op Logix vir Veeartse en geregistreerde Reproduksie tegnoloë om die inligting direk op Logix aan te teken.

Die veearts registreer op Logix as Veearts en die veearts kry toegang tot die skerm op Logix waardeur die inligting van die inseminasie en spoeling aangeteken kan word. Die aanteken van die surrogaat was in die verlede ‘n stremmende aksie en dit word nou heeltemal buite rekening gelaat omdat die meeste surrogate net lewende baarmoeders is en geen inligiting van hulle beskikbaar is nie. Die veearts kan dus nou op dieselfde dag na die spoelling die inligting op die skenkerkoei aanteken deur middle van die skerm en die inligting is dadelik op die koei se rekord. Met geboorte van die kalf is die Skedule O dus reeds opgeneem en die kalf moet net gemerk wees met Dekkode ‘inovulasie’. Dus sal die geboorte sonder probleme opgeneem word as hangende registrasie (PEN) totdat die ouerskap bevestiging ontvang is deur DNS uitslae.

Die nuwe Skedule O kan steeds op papier ingevul en ingestuur word en die verkorte vorm is op die Stamboek webblad beskikbaar nl. www.sastudbook.co.za onder die vorms menu opsie.

Stamboek glo dat hierdie nuwe proses en vorm baie makliker sal werk en die telers dit so sal ervaar.

SKEDULE O VORMS NOU MAKLIKER OM TE VOLTOOI

SA Studbook sends out Per Capita lists during May each year. This list is also available on Logix. The purpose thereof is to give breeders the opportunity to update their inventory and membership particulars. These lists must be returned to SA Studbook by the end of May for invoicing purposes, or the electronic list must be updated by the breeder by the end of June. This update must include both registered and calf book animals. Note that members will be invoiced according to the number of animals they have on the Per Capita list as at the last day of June each year.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please make sure that the animals you do remove from the Per Capita list are animals that have been sold, slaughtered, etc. Every re-instatement of an animal will cost you R500-00 per animal (excl VAT). A MISTAKE CAN THEREFORE COST YOU DEARLY.

The SA Studbook invoicing process will take place during July, followed by the Boran Society invoicing process. The per capita fee structure is shown below for your information.

Per Capita fee: SA Studbook: R14-25 per animal (2015/2016)Per Capita fee: SA Studbook: R15-40 per animal (2016/2017)

Per Capita fee: Boran Society: A & B R35-15 per animal (2015/2016)Per Capita fee: Boran Society: C & SP R50-00 per animal (2015/2016)

Per Capita fee: Boran Society: A & B: (2016/2017) TO BE DETERMINED AT AGM Per Capita fee: Boran Society: SP: (2016/2017) TO BE DETERMINED AT AGM

PER CAPITA LISTS

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The Free State Boran Club hosted the 2nd annual Boran Expo on 5 March 2016 at Kroon Boma. The Expo was held jointly with the Meatmaster sheep breeders’ society as well as the indigenous goat National Auction. As indigenous African breeds with low input costs and good production off the veld, these breeds have a lot in common.

The aim of the Boran Expo is to provide an opportunity for breeders to showcase their top animals and learn about the attributes that define a top quality stud animal. In contrast to an auction, breeders can bring their herd sires, matriarchs and future stars that are not necessarily for sale. For potential new Boran breeders, the Expo is a great place to meet existing breeders in a relaxed environment and to see some of the best that the breed has to offer in one place.

Extreme drought conditions in central South Africa reduced the number of participants in this year’s Expo, but the animals and breeders who were represented bore witness to the hardiness of the Boran and their ability to maintain condition and raise calves in trying times. The quality of the animals was exceptional across the board and picking “winners” was almost impossible. There was much debate in picking the best heifer and cow and in the end there was very little separating the top placed animal from the others. This is great news for the Boran breed as the quality just seems to get better year after year!

After the opening there were three presentations. Henk van der Lars from Vriesit Laboratories explained the importance of good quality semen and practical steps to maximise fertility in bulls. He also emphasised the importance of testing the semen using experienced technicians and laboratories. In particular he warned of the rampant spread of trichomoniasis and the severe consequences of misdiagnosis.

Quentin de Bruyn (Vastrap Boran) presented the results of the Sparta feedlot trials initiated by the Free State Boran Club last year. Overall, the performance of this batch of cross-bred Boran weaners was very satisfactory. In particular,

the feed conversion rates were better than average, both during backgrounding and in the feedlot proper. The slaughter percentages were also very good. While the Boran fraternity can be extremely satisfied with these results, Sparta management stressed that this was just one group of animals and there is no guarantee that other groups of Boran cross-bred animals from different farmers and different Boran bulls would perform as well. More trials are urgently needed to ratify the results. Ultimately, the success of the Boran in feedlots will rely heavily on breeders producing high quality Boran bulls.

Danie Strydom (Jabea Boran) presented his results from off-the-veld backgrounding of different types of Boran weaners (F1 through to SP). Danie has years of experience with backgrounding and is particularly excited about the performance of the Boran (see www.jabea.co.za). With weaner prices stagnating over the last five years, off the farm backgrounding with Boran provides a profitable alternative to weaner calf production.

The rest of the afternoon involved a very informative evaluation of each animal, led by Burnie Staal (Bos Blanco) who is a qualified cattle judge. The cows were judged on four attributes: femininity, reproductive ability, meat attributes and structural soundness. The bulls were judged on masculinity (including reproductive organs), muscling (“vleiseienskappe”) and structural soundness. This was a great opportunity to view cattle through the eyes of an experienced and knowleagable stockman and there certainly was a lot to learn!

Before the formal judging kicked off, all the breeders were given an opportunity to introduce their stud and their animals. The audience had to write down their top three picks in each category and these results were also collated and announced at the end of the day. Burnie then announced his best animals in each category and the “Champion of the Yard”. Congratulations to Paul Pienaar and Kokkie BAR 11-58 who was named best cow and Champion of the Yard!

Category Judge’s Choice Breeders’ ChoiceSenior Bull 1.”Renoster” BA 10-168 (Jodan)

2. “Oros” MHB 11-73 (Sterkfontein)3. “Gunner” MHB 06-26 (Groenland)

1.”Renoster” BA 10-168 (Jodan)2. “Oros” MHB 11-73 (Sterkfontein)3. “Gunner” MHB 06-26 (Groenland)

Heifer 1.”Champie” BUI 14-35 (Bosui)2.”Tharina” BUI 14-25 (Bosui)3. “Rose” VST 13-114 (Vastrap)

1. W 15-916 (Model)2. “Zanel” HOT 14-12 (Sterkfontein)3. “Rose” VST 13-114 (Vastrap)

Cow 1. “Kokkie” BAR 11-58 (Bar Circle)2. Z 06-77 (African Elite)3. “Brandy” HOT 10-01(Sterkfontein)

1. “Brandy” HOT 10-01 (Sterkfontein)2. “Jackie” MHB 09-22 (Vastrap)2. “Savanna” MHB 07-16 (Groenland)

Champion of the Yard “Kokkie” BAR 11-58 (Bar Circle)

NEW HORIZONS / NUWE HORISONNE

2016 BORAN EXPO

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The Pioneer Boran breeders group, consisting of Ed and Kurt Koller (Edlyn Boran Stud), Jaco Van Rensburg (De la Vida Borans), Keith Peinke (Peinke Borans) Corn and Johan van der Watt (Sandsonia), Stephen Johnson (Frontier Borans) and guest seller Dr Pierre Vienings, held their 2nd annual sale at the Hobson and Co sale yard in Grahamstown on Friday 22 April 2016.

Pioneering in Frontier and coastal country is no easy task - here old tried and trusted beliefs and practices are not easily deviated from. We certainly had our work cut out for us. Making a good impression was of paramount importance to us (as was the case at our first sale in 2015). Our breeders brought outstanding animals to this year’s auction.

The current drought and economic climate, coupled with the depressed demand for beef in general were very real concerns as we planned and marketed for the 2nd Pioneer Boran bull sale. We had no illusions that farmers would clamber over each other to ensure they could get a Boran Bull. We put in a lot of hard work and spent many hours phoning and chatting to our prospective buyers. Once again we secured a stand at the Annual Bathurst Agricultural show to promote our breed prior to our sale. We presented good quality cattle at the show and spoke to many farmers as they passed by and showed interested in this “new breed”. On sale day we were proud of the string of bulls that passed through the ring. We breathed a sigh of relief that all the hard work had paid off as Lot 1 (SPJ 11 0103, bred by Stephen Johnson) went under the hammer for R50 000 to Mr S Scheepers (prospective new member). This set the bench mark for good prices being paid throughout the sale. The highest price of R68000 was paid for Lot 4 (SS 11 31, bred by the Van der Watts) by stud breeder, Mr Quentin de Bruin of Vastrap Borans. The overall average sale price was R30000 and most of the bulls were bought by commercial farmers – a good sign for the future.

As part of the Boran Society’s promotion of the breed in the Eastern Cape, Fort Hare University are currently conducting a research study in the Fort Beaufort area. (Edendale Farm – Stephen Johnson Frontier Borans). Selected animals are weighed and measured every month. Blood and dung samples are taken to measure cholesterol levels and parasite levels etc. This project will run for an 18-month period. The first year of the research project was conducted under extreme drought conditions so it will be interesting to see the results at the end.

The Low lying areas of the Eastern Cape are notorious for Redwater, Hartwater and Gallsickness. 2016 has been one of the toughest years for us for Redwater. The benefits of farming with the Boran in combating all these diseases are well documented and they are finally being acknowledged throughout the Eastern Cape. We as breeders know this to be true in our herds, and only by having our bulls out in the greater parts Eastern Cape will the Boran’s begin to tell their own story.

A successful sale under the auspices of the Boran Breed Society means partnering with the best …. we are privileged in this group to have members with varied talents. I would like to thank Jaco van Rensburg for the work he did in creating our Pioneer Facebook Page, for live video streaming of the auction and for his marketing at the Bathurst Ag show, and Kurt Koller for the design work of our adverts. Thanks to our wives for your continued support behind the scenes and your presence at the auction. To the sellers thanks for your commitment and once again for the quality of bulls you brought to the auction. Hester, for your work in the office and ensuring that the catalogue was perfect - it is appreciated and we thank you. Thanks to the inspectors for their time and critical eye to ensure that only the best bulls went under the hammer. Grahamstown is out of the way and we appreciate the distances you had to travel. To the girls at SA studbook for all the transfers and behind the scenes work that always seems to go unnoticed. Thank you.

Finally, Paul Hobson and the team at Hobson and Co auctioneers. They have a good understanding of the diversity of farmers and farm types in the Eastern Cape and must be congratulated on the marketing they did to ensure the success of our sale.

In conclusion I would say that many of the 2016 Boran auctions thus far all over the country seem to have been successful and that is fantastic news for the breed. From these results it is clear that the old saying still runs true; ‘’quality sells’’. In addition, 2015/16 has been a challenging year for all farmers and the cattle breed that proves to be the best survivor will be the game changer - may that breed be our humble Boran …God’s gift to Cattlemen.

Stephen Johnson

PIONEERING IN THE EASTERN CAPE FRONTIER COUNTRY – the Pioneer bull auction held under the auspices of the Boran Breeders’ Society on 22 April 2016

CLUB AND REGIONAL NEWSBO

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The Boran Society has a formal arrangement with SA Studbook whereby Boran members are entitled to deal directly with Studbook. Direct dealing means that the breeder must contact SA Studbook directly regarding all aspects of the registration and recording of animals. For any queries regarding these transactions, SA Studbook will, in turn, contact

the breeder directly. SA Studbook will send the confirmation of births and registrations directly to the breeder. Cancellations, transfers and gender changes must also be sent directly to SA Studbook. These transactions will be processed by SA Studbook and all updated documents will be sent directly to the breeders.

This process has been designed to eliminate errors and to speed up the processing of the various transactions by placing the breeder in direct contact with the Studbook person who is responsible for processing those transactions

THE DIRECT DEALING FEE COVERS THE PAPER, ENVELOPES, POSTAGE, TELEPHONE COSTS AND TIME RELATED TO THESE TRANSACTIONS.

SA STUDBOOK PERSONNEL:Marietjie Delport is the responsible person for direct dealing at SA Studbook. She can be contacted at: marietjie@studbook.co.za or Tel: 051 – 410 0912 or Fax: 086 679 1467

Chantelle Milligan is responsible for the accounts at SA Studbook. She can be contacted at: chantellem@studbook.co.za or Tel: 051 – 410 0997 or Fax : 086 678 9674

Rosa van der Merwe is responsible for any Logix enquiries. She can be contacted at:rosa@studbook.co.za or Tel: 051 – 410 0928

PLEASE NOTE:The following matters must NOT be referred directly to Studbook, but should be communicated to Society by the breeder in writing:

- Late birth notifications- Re-instatements- Incorrect parentage

Boran Society Inspectors must submit completed inspection forms to Hesther (fax 086 518 4833). The office will send these to Studbook for further processing.

TOEKENNINGS ONTVANG:STREEK: VRYSTAATBloodline Borane Platinum Vastrap Borane GoudLetselaskraal bk SilverMnr. Jordaan Jansen van Vuuren BronsMnr. Anton Bredell Brons

STREEK: KWAZULU NATALMnr. Mark Hansmeyer GoudUmgeni Borans Brons

STREEK: WES-KAAPMnr E.A. Muller Boerdery Silver

STREEK: MPUMALANGAMnr. Wessel Meyer SilverGermit Boerdery Brons

STREEK: OOS-KAAPCollett Farming CC BronsPeinke Ranch Brons

STREEK: GAUTENGModel Borane Brons

WHAT IS

DIRECT DEALING?

UITMUNTENDE PRESTASIES SA STAMBOEK:

ELITE KUDDE KOMPETISIE VAN DIE JAAR

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Kansellasie van lidmaatskap MOET SKRIFTELIK geskied. Stuur asseblief alle bedankings deur na Christine Van Der Merwe – Boran Genootskap – christine@studbook.co.za of faks: 086 572 0762. (U bedanking moet ook aan die Genootskap deurgegee word en nie aan Stamboek nie)

Cancellation of membership MUST be in WRITING. Please send all resignations to Christine Van Der Merwe - Boran Society - christine@studbook.co.za or fax: 086 572 0762. (Your resignation must be sent through to the Society and not to SA Studbook)

U as teler moet asseblief uself vergewis dat alle uitstaande fooie op datum betaal is, aangesien die lidmaatskap nie beeindig kan word indien daar gelde uitstaande is nie.U kan die volgende persone kontak om bogenoemde inligting te bekom:Boran Genootskap: Christine: 051 – 410 0951 of Eleanor: 051 – 410 0962SA Stamboek: Chantelle Milligan: 051 – 410 0997

You as a breeder must make sure that all outstanding fees are paid up to date, because membership cannot be cancelled if fees are outstanding.You can contact the following persons to obtain the above information:Boran Society: Christine: 051 – 410 0951 of Eleanor: 051 – 410 0962SA Stambook: Chantelle Milligan: 051 – 410 0997 Indien u geen gelde uitstaande is nie, sal u bedanking aan alle relevante partye deurgestuur word – asook SA Stamboek, om te noteer. U naam sal van die ledelys, e-pos stelsel en SMS stelsel verwyder word en u sal geen verdere kommunikasie van die Genootskap of Stamboek ontvang nie.

If no fees are outstanding, the resignation is sent to all relevant parties – as well as Studbook for cancellation.Your name will be removed from the membership list, e-mail system and SMS system and you will not receive any further communication from the Society or Studbook.

BAIE BELANGRIK:Indien geen skriftelike bedanking ontvang is nie en u nie bewys kan lewer dat die bedanking skriftelik deurgestuur is nie, sal geen uitstaande gelde teruggeskryf word nie. U sal dus verantwoordelik gehou word vir enige gelde verskuldig.

VERY IMPORTANT:If no written resignation is received and you cannot prove that the resignation was submitted in writing, no fees outstanding will be written off. You will be held responsible for any outstanding fees.

LIDMAATSKAPMEMBERSHIP

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Synopsis:We all need to be reminded that outward progress doesn’t necessarily reflect or measure inward progress. Zig Ziglar tells the story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree.

“When this particular seed of the Chinese Bamboo tree is planted, watered and nurtured, for years it doesn’t outwardly grow as much as an inch. Nothing happens for the first year. There’s no sign of growth. Not even a hint. The same thing happens – or doesn’t happen – the second year. And then the third year. The tree is carefully watered and fertilized each year, but nothing shows. No growth. No anything. So it goes as the sun rises and sets for four solid years. The farmer and his wife have nothing tangible to show for this labor or effort. Then, along comes year five. After five years of fertilizing and watering have passed, with nothing to show for it – the bamboo tree suddenly sprouts and grows eighty feet in just SIX WEEKS!

Did the little tree lie dormant for four years only to grow exponentially in the fifth? Or, was the little tree growing underground, developing a root system strong enough to support its potential for outward growth in the fifth year and beyond? The answer is, of course, obvious. Had the tree not developed a strong unseen foundation it could not have sustained its life as it grew.”

Your dreams, no matter how big, are not in vain. Just because you don’t see signs of progress now, do not grow weary in continuing to build, to give it everything you have heart and soul. Even though overly critical friends remind you of how much easier it would be to give up, be more realistic, more practical, or find a new passion…choose to believe that growth is happening underground. A root system is being formed within your life, the kind of roots will outlast storms because of the hard work and commitment it’s taken to stand in faith for something it cannot easily prove or qualify.

(GROWTH TAKES PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE)

THE AWESOME“CHINESE BAMBOO TREE STORY”

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“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”HENRY FORD

HIGHEST PRICED BULL AT THE BORAN NATIONAL AUCTION

2015LW 09/13 (R230 000-00)

SELLER: LOUIS NELBUYER: CHRIS COETZEE

(ERRATA: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSLETTER OF DECEMBER, BUT UNFORTUNATELY WITHOUT A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HIGHEST PRICED BULL)

MOMENTS FROM THE AFRIDOME

Nelis Uys: 083 287 7300