In 2003 we decided to relocate our cattle farming enterprise from Komatipoort in Mpumalanga to Vrede in the Eastern Free State. At the time we were farming with pure Afrikaner cattle. They were very tolerant to the heat and parasites of the area but we soon realised that the Bonsmara was more suited to the Highveld conditions of Vrede. In 2006 we decided to concentrate solely on the Bonsmara breed.

We decided that it would take too long to build up a herd from females sold on production sales. It did not make sense to compete with “b-team” animals against other stud breeder’s “a-team” animals.

Semen of some of the best bulls in the breed was available but with average females one would breed average offspring. We therefore decided to focus on purchasing outstanding proven cows.

We identified all the proven cows at the Fortress (BHE) dispersal sale and were fortunate to buy all but three. The same selection criterion was followed at the Benchmark (HJB) dispersal. All Wesson van Rensburg’s (RCO) embryo donors flushed for Brazil were bought in 2006. Top performers from the herd of Bokkie van der Merwe (EI) were also acquired. Fifteen proven cows from Lawrence and Derek Ralfe (LAR) and all Arthur de Villiers’ (AG) 1993, ’94 and ‘95 cows were added to the herd in 2006.

Other top proven females were bought from Kit Thompson (FCT), Frans van den Berg (VV) and Neil Rissik (RGR).

These proven cows form the foundation of our stud and we are fortunate to have access to semen of some of the best bulls in the breed today. Artificial insemination and embryo flushing was the route we chose to progress to the highest level in the shortest time possible.

Breeding philosophy

We cannot claim any credit for the genetic potential of these top cows and salute their breeders. What we can claim credit for is what we have achieved in breeding with them. We are busy creating brave new combinations of genes not previously available in the Bonsmara breed. As bona fide cattle farmers we try to breed hardy medium framed cattle that are functional and that will perform optimaly in any part of Southern Africa.

We invite you to visit and decide for yourself.