Free State breeder focuses on functionality and hardiness

Carine Steenkamp spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the various practical herd management practices that contribute to the success of her Limousin operation.

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A Limousin cattle operation near Bothaville in the Free State is focusing on breeding structurally sound, adaptable animals suited to commercial beef production systems.

The farm runs approximately 500 registered Limousin cattle alongside 200 to 300 commercial animals as part of a diversified enterprise that also includes dairy and crop production.

Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Limousin breeder Carine Steenkamp said their breeding and management decisions are guided by practical performance in the veld as well as market demand.

VISUAL SELECTION REMAINS A KEY TOOL

According to Steenkamp, identifying future breeding animals begins with careful visual assessment shortly after weaning.

“We first go into the group and select animals based purely on how they present themselves. At that stage we're not focusing on genetics yet. We want to see how the animals carry themselves and how they perform after weaning,” she says.

After the initial selection, the young cattle are placed on grazing for several months before a more detailed evaluation is conducted.

“We look at how they walk, how they adapt after weaning, and whether they meet the breed standards,” she adds.

Once the animals have passed the visual assessment stage, they are processed through the handling facilities where their performance figures are reviewed.

MATCHING BULLS TO THE FEMALE HERD

Bull selection is approached strategically to strengthen the qualities already present within the herd.

“We select bulls that complement our females. We want something special from the animals we breed, so the bulls must improve the strengths that already exist in the cowherd,” says Steenkamp.

Market demand is also considered when breeding decisions are made.