New Boran stud off to a great start

The Olifantsberg Boran stud may only have been established three years ago, but it's already showing promise of becoming a name to watch in the industry. Farm managers Johan Geldenhuys and Ruanda Brink spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their breeding strategy, and why they believe the Boran is the breed of the future.

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Olive Farm, located on the slopes of Olifantsberg in the Breede River Valley, Western Cape, is primarily a lifestyle farm spanning 46ha, of which 12ha are planted to olive trees.

Three years ago, farm co-owners Philip Nel and Johan Geldenhuys (who also manages the operation) decided to venture into Boran cattle production to diversify the enterprise, add value to land not planted to olive trees, and enhance the farm’s overall sustainability.

Boran production is relatively limited in the Western Cape, with most breeders centred in the northern parts of South Africa. In the Olifantsberg region, livestock are typically used to diversify wine and fruit farming, with cattle breeds like the Sussex and Angus being the most common.

However, after some careful research, Nel and Geldenhuys decided to rather venture into Boran production.

“The deciding factor for us was Lizette Basson’s experience with the breed,” says Geldenhuys. “She used to farm in Fauresmith in the Free State, but has since moved to Australia where she established a Boran stud. She played a pivotal role in shaping the South African Boran breed.”

He adds that Basson is the sister of Ruanda Brink, who manages Olive Farm alongside him.

THE ATTRACTION

Nel and Geldenhuys were specifically drawn to the Boran’s adaptability, efficient feed-to-meat conversion ratio, fertility, calm temperament, and disease and tick resistance. All of these traits aligned well with their extensive, low-input farming philosophy.

“We wanted a breed that could thrive on the veld with minimal intervention, and the Boran stood out in that regard,” says Geldenhuys.

Brink adds that one of the things that impressed her most was the breed’s gentle nature.