Publication Date

1993

Description

The different nctivities on Smitskraal ranch have been developed and integrated over 40 years. In order to maximise profits while conserving soil, a holistic approach has been taken. The ranch is sweet bush veld, subtropical and has a low rainfall. Many stock diseases, mostly tick• b'orne, are prevalent. Adapted beef cattle and goals effectively conserve and utilise the grass and bush respectively. Suitable wildlife species are nlso included,. A multi􀁌camp, graze half, leave half system called controlled selective grazing is applied. Veld variations are separated, stocking rate is low and is adjusted to seasonal rainfall. Uniform batches of calves from fixed breeding seasons facilitate the application of a management programme to cut losses. Bulls and cows are computer-evaluated for five economic traits related lo production off veld. Stud animals are sold on an auction sale once a year with full production records, cull cows and oxen are marketed directly through a local abattoir-butchery. This holistic approach has resulted in high, sustained profit coupled with environmental improvement.

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Economic Stock Farming in Harmony with an Arid Ecosystem on Smitskraal Ranch - A Holistic Approach

The different nctivities on Smitskraal ranch have been developed and integrated over 40 years. In order to maximise profits while conserving soil, a holistic approach has been taken. The ranch is sweet bush veld, subtropical and has a low rainfall. Many stock diseases, mostly tick• b'orne, are prevalent. Adapted beef cattle and goals effectively conserve and utilise the grass and bush respectively. Suitable wildlife species are nlso included,. A multi􀁌camp, graze half, leave half system called controlled selective grazing is applied. Veld variations are separated, stocking rate is low and is adjusted to seasonal rainfall. Uniform batches of calves from fixed breeding seasons facilitate the application of a management programme to cut losses. Bulls and cows are computer-evaluated for five economic traits related lo production off veld. Stud animals are sold on an auction sale once a year with full production records, cull cows and oxen are marketed directly through a local abattoir-butchery. This holistic approach has resulted in high, sustained profit coupled with environmental improvement.