Hugenoot: SA's beef cattle genetic treasure

The award-winning Koperkop Hugenoot stud has proved the breed’s economic value in the exacting farming conditions south of the Soutpansberg. Owners Henk and Gerda van Rensburg told Annelie Coleman how the breed fares in an area where animal diseases such as redwater, heartwater and anaplasmosis are rampant.

- Annelie Coleman

The Hugenoot beef cattle breed was developed by South Africans for South Africa’s taxing extensive farming conditions. It is an economically functional and efficient breed that ensures sustainable and profitable beef production, according to Henk van Rensburg, who runs an award-winning stud with his wife Gerda in the Soutpansberg area of Limpopo.

Their farming concern also includes commercial beef cattle and a feedlot. Maize and potatoes are produced under irrigation for silage, and a pomegranate orchard was recently added. The Van Rensburgs also produce green peppers in hothouses.

AFRIKANER AND CHAROLAIS

“The Hugenoot combines the hardiness of the Afrikaner and the first-rate production efficiency of the Charolais. In 1995, SA Stud Book recognised the Hugenoot and, in 1998, the South Africa Hugenoot Cattle Breeders’ Association was established. We started our Koperkop stud in 2009 on 3 570ha, which includes the farms Altenburg, Leyden, New Hanover and Kalkoven,” Henk explains.

The breed is characterised by outstanding growth and muscling, with exceptionally high dressing percentages. The average dressing percentage for heifer weaners is 58% and for bull weaners 62%. For cows and bulls, the dressing percentage is on average 58% and 73% respectively.

FAST FACTS 

The South African Hugenoot beef cattle breed is known for outstanding disease resistance, hardiness and growth.

Three of Henk and Gerda van Rensburg's cows have received platinum awards in the Landbouweekblad/ SA Studbook National Elite Competition's beef cow class.