Another fantastic video! Thank you for showing the different systems and nuances. The proof is in the body condition of the cows and the lovely calves all over. The bull is doing his work well, running with the herd year round. This method of managing the herd makes sense in a lot of ways. Also, shoutout to the herdsmen!
Beautiful video as always, Shane! It’s a beautiful composite breed indeed now receiving a strong bonsmara influence. Nice calves crop. It’s sad that we have to farm with crime top of our minds in this country. Stocktheft is economic sabotage and will turn us into a nation of beggars unable to provide food for its citizens. Establishing good relations with our neighbours as you do is also very helpful…🙏🙏🙏
Hi Frans, I see you get it! I recieved some flack because I referred to the race of my neighbour in the previous video. Thing is, we may be of different races with different cultures - but we face the same enemies namely theft and fires. "United we stand - divided we fall" is applicable here and it only makes sense to look out for each others interests.
Excellent video Mr Shane, can you please ask the gentleman who owns the cattle to tell us how his conception rates are in his herd and if there are any challenges with pulling calves as Bonsmara is known for huge calfs at birth and how is he managing that problem.
Hi Jeffrey, Welcome to the channel! I don't think he records conception rates... With regards to calving ease - the cows have nice, sloping rumps so I don't forsee any problems. Also keep in mind that not ALL Bonsmaras produce calving problems. But I'll certainly ask him when I see him again!
Nice video and impressive the way the cattle that reproduce best are the ones that create a type suited to the area and ultimately towards an animal that has nguni traits while some of them do not have any or very little nguni genetics in them.
Horns are a difficult one... If animals are confined (kraaled) at night I think it's important as they can't get away from aggressive animals. But uf they sleep out - like mine - then I prefer horns.
Hi Shane. Heard you loud and clear mate😂 Still good content that you are producing there. It’s Sid from Aussie soon, to come Back home and join you guys full time in the cattle business. Keep up the good work.
Hey Sidwell, It's a sensitive subject given our history but thanks for the positivity 🍻! Glad to hear you'll be back soon and thanks for the kind words!
They are well adapted and I think that it should work. UHDG would certainly leave them with more winter grazing. I think the challenge would probably be the cost of equipment required.
Hi. Great video. I would like to learn about cattle farming/breeding( Loved your video on inter-calving period) Do you have any resources you can direct me too(books/ videos) . Thank you
Hi Gama, Welcome to the channel and thanks for the kind words! The best book to start off with - in my opinion - is "Man, Cattle, Veld" by Johann Zietsman. It's a game changer! As for the rest, I'll do a video soon referencing the guys I follow on UA-cam.
maybe it helps a little when penned animals are disturbed while the herdsmen are close enough to intervene, al help dit net 'n bietjie is dit beter as niks.
Hi Janco, Onthou hulle slaap in 'n kraal. So terwyl hulle besig is om die halsband af te kap is daar 'n klomp ander beeste wat mal gaan en watse klokkies dan alarm gee.
They need to get rid of those bushes that are destroying their grazing lands. Do Africans not manage their farms, y'all? My nephew is working on a huge cattle ranch in Australia (over 1 million acres). He says introduced African thorny mimosa is destroying their crazing (20 - 30 % reduction) and they spend much of their time spraying mimosa to kill it, sections at a time.
Hi Art-is-lazy, Unfortunately few farmers take steps to manage these bushes! I have just ordered some herbicide to control mine BEFORE it becomes a problem. Ironically I have been saying the same thing - these bushes destroy 30 - 40% of the grazing and there are farms around me where it may actually be more!
Shane I love what you do and I am here everytime. It’s that anticipation that draws us back because you simple serve us a farming delicacy.
Hi Mpilines,
Thanks for the kind words!
Many of us can only dream about what you do especialy after 50
Hang in there! Took me a long time to get here. Don't give up!
Another fantastic video!
Thank you for showing the different systems and nuances. The proof is in the body condition of the cows and the lovely calves all over. The bull is doing his work well, running with the herd year round.
This method of managing the herd makes sense in a lot of ways.
Also, shoutout to the herdsmen!
Thanks! Yes they look good! The best ones weren't even filmed! They were further back.
Beautiful video as always, Shane! It’s a beautiful composite breed indeed now receiving a strong bonsmara influence. Nice calves crop. It’s sad that we have to farm with crime top of our minds in this country. Stocktheft is economic sabotage and will turn us into a nation of beggars unable to provide food for its citizens. Establishing good relations with our neighbours as you do is also very helpful…🙏🙏🙏
Hi Frans,
I see you get it! I recieved some flack because I referred to the race of my neighbour in the previous video. Thing is, we may be of different races with different cultures - but we face the same enemies namely theft and fires.
"United we stand - divided we fall" is applicable here and it only makes sense to look out for each others interests.
Great video as always, beautiful cattle. Big fan of the channel, from Botswana 🇧🇼.
Hey Thabo,
Thanks and welcome to the channel! You guys have some of the best country in the world!
I like the part where you say everyone does what works for him. The animals are looking really good .
Yep! There ARE better/worse systems but ultimately you do the best you can with what resources you have!
Excellent video Mr Shane, can you please ask the gentleman who owns the cattle to tell us how his conception rates are in his herd and if there are any challenges with pulling calves as Bonsmara is known for huge calfs at birth and how is he managing that problem.
Hi Jeffrey,
Welcome to the channel!
I don't think he records conception rates...
With regards to calving ease - the cows have nice, sloping rumps so I don't forsee any problems. Also keep in mind that not ALL Bonsmaras produce calving problems. But I'll certainly ask him when I see him again!
Thank you, can you please cover some more farmers who cross local breeds and exotic bulls eg. Beefmaster and Thuli
Hi Jeffrey,
I'll see what I can find. Not many people near me who do that.
Please continue what you are doing brother, Im a huge fan of your work
Thanks Thabo and welcome to the channel!
Beautiful video Shane. This one hits home for me. Exactly the same way I am farming here in KZN.
Hey Thokoza,
Thanks! There are many farmers who farm this way in the rural areas. Some very good cattle in those herds as well!
This is peak farming man, People working together for the better future of farming
Everyone doing well can only be good for the industry!
Nice video and impressive the way the cattle that reproduce best are the ones that create a type suited to the area and ultimately towards an animal that has nguni traits while some of them do not have any or very little nguni genetics in them.
Exactly! If natural selection runs it's course you eventually end up with an animal that will look very similar to the indigenous breeds!
Beautiful herd👌🏿
It is!
Beautiful herd
Hi Abraham,
Welcome to the channel!
It IS a beautifull herd.
Beautiful herd very well managed I just would like him to dehorn more often
Horns are a difficult one... If animals are confined (kraaled) at night I think it's important as they can't get away from aggressive animals. But uf they sleep out - like mine - then I prefer horns.
Recently encountered your channel and I’m addicted, I hope to visit your farm someday
Hi Nakedi,
Thanks and welcome to the channel!
I always had bells on my cattle for all the same reasons.. Seems like a good trend to try different breeds and going with what works best!
I considered bells - but because I don't close them up at night the bells would actually make it easier for the thieves to find them!
@@shanecotty3275 possibly or it might make them think someone is there listening for the bells.
@@shanecotty3275 maybe but it might make them think someone is there listening for the bells.
You might be correct - fortunately my GPS tracking collars should be here within a few days!
Hi Shane. Heard you loud and clear mate😂 Still good content that you are producing there.
It’s Sid from Aussie soon, to come Back home and join you guys full time in the cattle business. Keep up the good work.
Hey Sidwell,
It's a sensitive subject given our history but thanks for the positivity 🍻! Glad to hear you'll be back soon and thanks for the kind words!
Beautiful animals ❤
Agree!
Beautiful video Shane, the body condition of the Cow herd is superb.
Does he keep records? If yes what is his average ICP?
The herd is alert and Calves are beautiful!
Calves will probably average 200kilos at weaning!
Hi Ashell,
No, he doesn't keep records. He's an elderly gentleman farming in the old ways. But it works and those beautifull calves are proof of that!
Shane , you know setswana😊,you deserve more land😊
Hey David,
Actually sesotho - which is VERY close to setswana 👍
A very good herd 😊 quality mix breeds I love cross breeding because of residence in many conditions
Cross breeding has a lot to offer if done correctly!
@shanecotty3275 yes and I have evidence on that Sir
I know - I've looked at your channel 👍
@shanecotty3275 Thanks 😊 very much Sir
Hi Shane I think they wrote about you on Farmers Weekly regarding regenerative farming. Correct me if I am wrong?
Great video by the way!
Hi Bokang,
I wish! No, it wasn't me. The guys they usually speak to are REAL experts - not wannabees like myself 🤣🤣🤣
Would this system not be well suited to high density/ultra high density grazing? The herd seems pretty well adapted.
They are well adapted and I think that it should work. UHDG would certainly leave them with more winter grazing. I think the challenge would probably be the cost of equipment required.
Shine would you consider putting bells on your cattle
Hi Kgotso,
I thought about it - but because I don't kraal them at night the bells might actually HELP the thieves find them in the dark!
Hi. Great video. I would like to learn about cattle farming/breeding( Loved your video on inter-calving period) Do you have any resources you can direct me too(books/ videos) . Thank you
Hi Gama,
Welcome to the channel and thanks for the kind words!
The best book to start off with - in my opinion - is "Man, Cattle, Veld" by Johann Zietsman.
It's a game changer!
As for the rest, I'll do a video soon referencing the guys I follow on UA-cam.
By the way Shane that bull look exactly like my old bull I sold I used to call him Jordan………..ask him where he got him it looks identical to Jordan
Hi Tebogo,
I'll ask him. Think it came from Pretoria region....
Kan die klokkies regtig veediefstaal keer? Ek sou dink hulle kap die halsbandjies sommer af.
maybe it helps a little when penned animals are disturbed while the herdsmen are close enough to intervene, al help dit net 'n bietjie is dit beter as niks.
Hi Janco,
Onthou hulle slaap in 'n kraal. So terwyl hulle besig is om die halsband af te kap is daar 'n klomp ander beeste wat mal gaan en watse klokkies dan alarm gee.
They need to get rid of those bushes that are destroying their grazing lands. Do Africans not manage their farms, y'all? My nephew is working on a huge cattle ranch in Australia (over 1 million acres). He says introduced African thorny mimosa is destroying their crazing (20 - 30 % reduction) and they spend much of their time spraying mimosa to kill it, sections at a time.
Hi Art-is-lazy,
Unfortunately few farmers take steps to manage these bushes!
I have just ordered some herbicide to control mine BEFORE it becomes a problem. Ironically I have been saying the same thing - these bushes destroy 30 - 40% of the grazing and there are farms around me where it may actually be more!
Thanks for teh educating content. How do I get in ocntract with you?
Thanks. Leave my your number and I'll make contact with you.
I hope one day I can have that life and the second things about the bills is not bothering the cow?
Hi Tardeen,
Welcome to the channel!
The cows get used to them.
You can see the brahman characteristics in them by being alert ⚠️
It IS a typical brahman characteristic. Something I like and probably the reason why brahman are difficult to steal.
Howzit guys!!
Howzit & welcome to the channel!
8:59 i think they're brahnguni cross
It's possible. There were a few looses ngunis in the herd.
hey shane. would love to have your whatsapp so that i can ask you some questions. love your content.
Drop me your number and I'll contact you.