True showmanship - so much more than a title

Jannie Kotzé, owner of De Panne Angus Stud, spoke to Nichelle Steyn about what it takes to become an icon in the show ring.

- Nichelle Steyn

Showmanship is much more than a title – it is a lifestyle. The experience, advice and the opportunity to benchmark will make a lasting impact on your farming business, says Jannie Kotzé from De Panne Angus Stud. "Winning the most prestige title in the agricultural showring is much more than displaying your best animal. It takes a mixture of hard work and genetics, determination and humbleness to benefit from the experience."

He knows what it takes as he is an icon in the showring. He took the reins from his father (Paul) to honour his passion for animals. Paul played an integral part in the success of the Swartland Show as its convener for years, a role which Kotzé currently fulfills as the convener of the show’s beef section.

De Panne Angus Stud is a family-run business, originally established by Paul and Louise Kotzé in 1986. Kotzé is recognised for his contributions to the breed, including selling a record-breaking bull and achieving significant recognition at agricultural shows. Just this year, he made history by becoming the first breeder at the Swartland Show to win both the Interbreed Champion Bull and Champion Cow.

The Swartland Show, held in Moorreesburg, is the largest agricultural show in the Western and Southern Cape, showcasing the finest from these regions. It features the biggest beef cattle show in the Western Cape, with around 400 animals competing for prestigious titles. “To win, one must improve yearly,” Kotzé adds. “Hard work is a given, it takes months of preparation to be ready for the show.” He also participates in the Bloem Show “from time to time”.

WINNING IS NOT EVERYTHING

Although Kotzé’s animals regularly win titles, he believes in humbling himself during the process to gain more from it.

"The greatest sign of real showmanship is when you can humble yourself enough to listen to others' advice.