‘Stud breeders must get onto the genomics bandwagon’

Christopher Sparks, winner of the 2018 Agricultural Research Council’s Beef Cattle Improvement Herd of the Year, farms Brangus cattle in Swinburne, Free State. Gerhard Uys spoke to him.

How did you experience 2018? While cattle prices were positive, aspects such as higher production and increased labour costs took much of the benefit away from these good prices.

What investments are you planning to make in 2019?

In the current political climate, there is not much inclination to make new investments. I will, however, continue investing in quality genetics to optimise production.

How are you involved in mentoring new farmers?

I host an annual farmers’ day in which I involve role players such as the Brangus society, the Agricultural Research Council and Veldbul SA. I also mentor a small group of emerging cattle farmers whom I help where I can.

How does one remain sustainable in such a challenging environment? There are three important factors to consider: environment, genetic improvement, and carcass quality.

When it comes to the environment, I regard myself as a grass farmer first and a cattle farmer last. Grass is my natural resource, and I optimise its use by keeping cattle that are adapted to my particular environment.

In terms of genetic improvement,

I have collected data since 2001 and have realised it takes years before data becomes meaningful. I have, by no means, reached the end of this process of improvement and will continue to strive for improvement for the rest of my life. My herd is one of eight Brangus studs participating in the National Genomics Programme, which will eventually be for the benefit of the Brangus breed as a whole. Stud breeders will have to climb onto the genomics bandwagon.

Carcass quality is important because we all want more money for our meat, and carcass traits are becoming more important. Bull producers, in particular, should have data that back the bulls they sell. Producers must start using more scientific methods and begin looking at meat and carcass quality, so that they can hopefully get better prices for good-quality meat.

• Email Christopher Sparks at sparks@mniarchitects.co.za.