LRF Dinner Prizegiving

The LRF Stockman School started as an idea to educate South African livestock producers on livestock production. The LRF/BREEDPLAN symposium was held annually at Bloemfontein. The event was known for its prestigious award ceremony where livestock producers were recognised for their hard work during the year. The school has grown to a full conference that has become a major event on the livestock calendar every year. This is the first year where Wagyu producers also made the cut for the prestigious awards. Wagyu producers received awards in the following categories:

Proven bull of the year – BA150452 Mimosa Farming Pty Ltd (Namibia)

Eligible bulls must be three and a half years old or older. They must have a progeny of at least one hundred calves in three or more herds, of which twenty or more calves were born during the preceding two years. The bulls must have accurate breeding values and are determined according to their economic indices. For the breeds where indices are not available yet, a similar value is determined by linking economic weights to their breeding values. The values include birth, weaning, yearling, final and mature cow weight and scrotal circumference. Bulls must also meet minimum criteria for some of the traits.

Cow group of the year – LP Boerdery

Herds that are eligible for the award must have at least a three-star award for completeness of performance. The economic index of the herd is also looked at, if it is available for the breed, as well as characteristics such as days-to-calving (DTC). If DTC is not available, age at first calving and intercalving period are looked at. For the breeds where indices are not available, a similar value is determined by linking economic weights to their breeding values. The values include birth, weaning, yearling, final and mature cow weight and scrotal circumference.

Young bull of the year – IR200893 Infracor Stud Breeders

For the young bulls, the index values were looked at, as well as the measurements that were submitted to the Society. If the breed does not have DTC, its dam’s fertility was also looked at.

Congratulations to the recipients. We look forward to more Wagyu producers receiving recognition at future Stockman School prize giving ceremonies.