PAST, PRESENT & OUR FUTURE….
Arla Simmentaler has a rich heritage and strong pedigree that can be traced back to the original Buschbrunn Simmentaler stud from 1968, encompassing a wealth of experience. In 1950 H.D. van Biljon purchased the farm Buschbrunnen from his father, Petrus van Biljon, who bought the farm in 1948 from Wolfgang Eichler. Eichler in turn originally bought the farm in 1923 from August Stauch.
As was the case with many farmers in those
years, H.D van Biljon would ultimately pay for the farm through the production
of milk and selling of by-products, such as cream. Approximately 200 cows were
milked daily. In the days following the purchase of the farm , the Buschbrunn
Simmentaler stud was started through the initial purchase of cattle from
various breeders within the former Southwest Africa, but really came into its
own when a direct son from the much sought after Hadrian bloodline were
imported from Germany in 1972. This bull, Hanjo 5700851 ADREV F 73, made a tremendous
contribution towards improving the stud’s milk production and figures, which is
still today an outstanding characteristic of the Arla Simmentaler stud, proven
by the high milk figures from the stud’s EBV’s. In addition, Hanjo bred very
strong heels and visually perceptible muscling that had a positive impact on
the cattle’s’ walking ability in the rugged ground and thorn bush surfaces of
the farm.
H.D van Biljon and his son Armin decided in 1978 to participate in shows [Photo 4]. Initially they merely wanted to compare their specific type of Simmentaler with those of other breeders, but would progressively proceed to win many accolades in the arena, quickly establishing the stud as a trendsetter, particularly in the group classes. The results from performance testing, which started in 1970, were used to assist with the selection of animals for the shows. Consequently the stud participated in shows in Grootfontein, Windhoek, Johannesburg, Vryburg and Pretoria.
The performances of Buchbrunn Bobby and his progeny, such as Buschbrunn Maus (VB871) in particular, would turn him into a world-famous phenomenon. As a result his semen was exported worldwide and his genetics is still prevalent amongst many of the top Simmentaler studs in the world. Bobby’s dam, Buschbrunn Bärbel, was sired by the aforementioned Hanjo. Buchbrunn Manna continued in Bobby’s footsteps and went on to excel in the group classes, even superseding Bobby.
After 25 successful years at shows the Buschbrunn Simmentaler stud was sold to Sydney Martin of Promartia-Buschbrunn in 2004. Ulla van Biljon held 20 females back and decided to start breeding anew. She subsequently registered Arla Simmentaler stud, which has since grown to 160 cows. As was the case with the stud’s predecessor, a strict selection of only the best genetics remains the goal, with strong emphasis on fertility, milk and high weaning weight. Fifteen bulls are selected annually from the stud for selling as breeding stock in the open market, either directly from the farm, or formally twice a year through the Northern Select auctions in Windhoek and Grootfontein respectively.
With the return of the fourth generation to Buschbrunnen in 2012, farming activities intensified dramatically. Buschbrunnen now produces its own fodder, viz, maize, sorghum and blue buffalo grass (cenchrus cillaris) for optimum feeding. Commercial cattle farming increased as well, with the focus remaining on crossbreeding Simmentaler and Brahman. The characteristics of the Simmentaler to breed replacement heifers with excellent maternal abilities as well as oxen with good growth, feedlot gain and muscling all have been proven in both the orginal Buschbrunn Simmentaler stud and current Arla Simmentaler stud.
With the fifth generation now also on the farm the future prospects looks bright.
