We strive to keep cattle breeding simple and master it to perfection.
Our breeding policy aligns with this: a simple policy that aims to generate maximum profit. Therefore, we believe that
buying a bull from a breeder is much more than just buying a bull. You also buy into that breeder’s philosophy and way
of thinking and doing things.
Our first female animals were registered in 2008, and today our females are the product of years of breeding and
dedication to cattle breeding with strict selection pressure. The primary goal of our stud is to breed bulls for the
commercial herd of SCHYFF BEEF PTY at Rietfontein in the Bultfontein district of the Free State. If we can generate
maximum profit in our commercial herd through our policy and breeding material, we believe the same can be achieved
by other commercial farmers.
Our entire herd grazes solely on natural pasture. Animals must be adapted to produce on the veld with minimal inputs.
We keep our management practices as consistent as possible, ensuring the standard remains the same for everyone.
This ensures accurate control, which aids in our decision-making regarding animals. SCHYFF BEEFMASTER’s herd
must be adaptable despite challenging years and seasons. It is precisely in these challenging times that adaptability
plays a critical role in surviving economically and farming successfully.
We focus on a fertile herd. For this reason, heifers are bred at 14 months to calve at two years. After that, we expect
her to wean a calf every year. Naturally, there are annual challenges, but that is why we believe our consistent
management style and selection pressure on fertility should be at the top of our priority list. This provides certainty for
any cattle farmer in uncertain times.
By selecting for fertility, we also indirectly select for many other positive traits that add value to the cattle farming
operation. Among others, frame size and cow-calf ratio at weaning should ideally reach 50% of the mother’s weight at
weaning (205 days).
This selection helps us to farm with a functional cow herd.
Bull selection is no exception. After weaning, bulls are tested in a phase-D test on veld grass. Bulls that do not grow
sufficiently on veld conditions without mother’s milk with minimal inputs are not ideal for us. We consider these bulls
non-adaptable and therefore poor producers. This phase-D test allows us to identify early which bulls we want to keep
and which we want to move to the feedlot.
We have been using a three-camp grazing system for some time. Each camp rests every third year. Consequently, we farm on two-thirds of our land, allowing us to graze thoroughly and let the pasture rest adequately. Through this, our grass cover and carrying capacity have significantly improved over the years.
Regarding lick supplements, we believe that the veld should support the cattle because that is where your profit lies. Maximum profit is achieved with the cheapest feed, namely the pasture on your farm. Lick supplements only fill the deficiencies in the veld. Both the stud, commercial herd, and SCHYFF Feedlot use a private nutritionist for lick formulations and advice. Through this, we obtain quality, affordable lick supplements specifically formulated for our farm and needs.
Animal health is non-negotiable for us. We follow a comprehensive vaccination program that keeps animals healthy internally and externally. This limits our losses that could occur due to unexpected diseases. It also ensures the bulls' health is good, eliminating uncertainty if cows are not pregnant.
Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently.
