MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Well-known local cattle farmer Mr Peter Menne recently took top honours in South Africa when one of his Nguni cows was recognised as the top producing Nguni cow in the country.

The ARC (Agricultural Research Council) Animal Improvement Institute annually identifies the best producing cows from each herd participating in the National Beef Cattle Improvement Scheme. The requirements for these awards are determined in co-operation with the national Advisory Committee of the scheme. The trophies for the best producing cow in each breed participating in the scheme are sponsored by Farmer’s Weekly, in co-operation with the ARC Animal Improvement Institute. These cows are identified from the Elite group and must adhere to strict standards, including an average ICP (time from one cow to the next) not exceeding 400 days.

Competing in the scheme, Mr Menné was notified earlier this month that one of his cows from Menné Farming’s Damline Nguni Stud qualified as the Farmer’s Weekly/ARC Elite Cow of the Nguni breed. Born on August 28, 1994, this cow has already given birth to nine calves, with the first being born when she was 26 months old. Her average ICP is 366 days. Mr Menne said he is very pleased with the award.

A special award ceremony will be held on August 31 this year in the Championship Ring at the Pretoria Show, during which the Farmer’s Weekly trophies will be presented.