Bonsmara

The Bonsmara achieved great success during 2018, and the love and passion that stud, commercial and emerging farmers have for their exceptional animals will ensure that the breed remains the beef cattle industry leader in South Africa.

The South African agriculture sector is currently marked by political uncertainty and difficult farming conditions due to continued drought. As such, all farmers must optimise their farming enterprises to ensure success. The Bonsmara breed accomplished many successes in 2018, which can be attributed not only to stud breeders, but also to commercial and emerging breeders.

Ca rcass Competitions

At the 2017/2018 South African Meat Industry Company’s (SAMIC) National Carcass Competition, the Bonsmara was again announced the winner in the Best Individual Carcass, as well as the Best Group Carcass, categories. The Bonsmara is thus now the champion for eight consecutive years in the individual carcass category, and was also named champion of the group category for seven of these years. But the Bonsmara did not only perform well in these two categories. In the emerging farmer categories, the Bonsmara was awarded four of the top 10 places in the group carcass category, and six out of the top 10 places in the individual carcass category. The breed was also awarded first place in the Super Ox category. These results show that the Bonsmara is the leader in the industry when it comes to producing a carcass that the consumer wants. As these results were achieved by farmers running operations on all different scales, these results show that the base of the breed is as strong as the top. This is why stud breeders are constantly improving genetics to supply the commercial and emerging market value for their money.

Auctions

Bonsmaras were in high demand at auctions this year, with animals sold for excellent prices. Quality is essential in the beef industry, and as long as quality is good, animals will sell. An example of this is the bull LAR 14 173, produced by Up George Bonsmaras, which sold for a record-high price of R1,8 million. This proved that if an animal possesses excellent genetics and conformation, no price will stop buyers from buying it.

The future is bright for Bonsmaras. The winning combination between stud, commercial and emerging farmers, and their love for the exceptional animals, will make sure that the Bonsmara remains the industry leader.

• Email the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa at info@bonsmara.co.za.

bonsmara breeders aim to improve breed genetics

SUPPLIED ABOVE: Bonsmaras were in high demand in 2018, with the bull, LAR 14 173, selling for a record price of R1,8 million on auction.