'Time to talk Limousin'

Because of the decision by the Nampo Harvest Day management to ban the participation of cloven-hoofed animals at the 2026 event, the Limousin Cattle Breeders' Society of Southern Africa has decided to hold a breed summit, as Jan Stiglingh, the president puts it, 'to talk Limousin'.

- Annelie Coleman reports.

The decision by the Nampo management team to not allow cloven-hoofed animals at 2026 Harvest Days is in line with most other shows and actions, says Jan Stiglingh, president of the Limousin Cattle Breeders' Society of Southern Africa.

“However, for us as a society such an occasion provides an opportunity for engagement, the exchange of ideas and most importantly, to ‘talk Limousine’. That is why we decided to hold a Limousin summit instead on 1 and 2 May at the Afridome in Parys.

“In moments like these, our strength lies in our unity. Not seeing one another as often this year feels strange and, at times, disheartening. So, the Limousin breeders' summit will be a time to reconnect, refocus, share knowledge, offer mutual support, and celebrate our shared passion for Limousin cattle,” he says.

The two-day programme includes presentations on, among others, Limousin breed standards and selection in light of the society’s clients' demands. The use of SenseHub cow monitoring technology in the accurate detection of animals on heat is also on the list. Another topic on the agenda is the use of social media in a consumer-centric world. Limousin breed adviser Marius Barkhuizen is to report on feedback from the field. The programme also includes a presentation on genetics and gut health. Limousine breeder Manie Swarts is to address the topic 'life after FMD'.

As Stiglingh put it in a recent society newsletter: “Farming is both a privilege and a joy, but rarely easy. This year, in particular, Limousin breeders have been tested deeply, as the threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) weighs heavily on their minds, livelihoods and animals.

“Across Southern Africa, we are all doing our utmost to implement strict biosecurity measures in order to protect our herds and everything that goes with it. A small number of Limousin studs has been affected by FMD in South Africa and Swaziland. Botswana also suffered an outbreak on its border with Zimbabwe.”