If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan but not the reason you started
CJ started SCHYFF Feedlot with no experience or background in the industry. By now, he can write books about the
knowledge and information gathered.
The initial goal was to add value to cull calves and cattle. Later, this goal was redefined with precision and accuracy. In 2010, the first calves were conservatively fed in existing facilities on the farm. In 2011/2012, four more formal feedlot pens were established, and in 2014, an additional nine pens were added.
Animal health is our highest priority. It greatly influences profitability and, consequently, is adhered to with care and precision. To achieve this, animals are quarantined on a separate farm. This gives us the assurance that the animals are disease-free, have overcome weaning shock, have good immunity, have been vaccinated, are socially adapted, and are feed bunk ready. A comprehensive vaccination program is followed, and the animals receive a lick supplement during this period. After this phase, animals are moved to precon camps where they remain for about six weeks. The focus is particularly on a healthy rumen and frame building during this period. Lastly, they are finished off in the FEEDLOT for 19 weeks.
Going forward, it was critically important to have a specific and precise plan that define what we wanted to achieve having the feedlot. CJ defined it as follows: calves are purchased with a live weight of approximately 230 kg in a ratio of 70% bulls and 30% heifers. Weight is then added to achieve a live weight of 500 kg, thus reaching the final carcass weight of 300 kg. With the expansion of the feedlot, it made sense to purchase the various (TMR) components themselves and mix the feed mixtures on Rietfontein. For this, the help of a private nutritionist was enlisted, which still forms part of our overall practices for the feedlot, stud, and commercial herd. Purchasing the products ourselves also creates a logistical component of the feedlot that, in turn, must be managed and planned effectively and accurately
Average daily gain is important, but once again, the importance of good animal health cannot be overemphasized.
SCHYFF Feedlot also produces approximately 7,000 tons of cattle manure per year. Although we sell some of this organic material to surrounding farmers, we also use it on our own lands for it makes biological sense cropp lands to our farming practises.
CJ conclude it as follows; take calculated risks and be willing to learn. Do everything with precision and persevere in
times of challenges.
Animal health is our highest priority. It greatly influences profitability and, consequently, is adhered to with care and precision.
With 7000 tons of organic material per year, it makes biological sense to utilize it on our croplands
CJ purchase the various TMR components. It is then mixed accordingly on Rietfontein with precise accuracy.
