In December 1988, we purchased our first farm of 205 hectares and four kilometres of waterfront on the upper reaches of the Vaal Dam. Currently it comprises six farms, all adjoining, with 16 kilometres of waterfront on 1156 hectares.

We have an average rainfall of 600mm a year. The cattle graze on Sourveld and we experience very harsh and cold winters. It is a very tough environment with high tick populations and gallsickness.

It is a relatively drought-resistant farm: as the water level drops, so the farm doubles in capacity. The grazing below the high water mark is fertilized naturally and the cattle thrive on this exceptional pasture.

We are currently trying to improve our grazing lands using strip-grazing techniques advocated by Johann Zietsman. We implemented these practices approximately three years ago and have been experiencing huge success thus far. Our cattle are being “toughened” under the high grazing pressure and both the carrying capacity & pasture quality have improved exponentially.

About the Stud & Commercial Herds:

We purchased our first three Limousin heifers in 1992 and the herd now comprises around 600 animals and a commercial herd of around 100 animals.

One of our main areas of focus is fertility, in both males and females.

We are trying to breed small calves that grow very well; mothers that have good milk and udders, that don’t get too big; and bulls with large testes and high fertility.

Our genetic trends are impressive and dovetail with our goals. We scan for carcase traits and DNA test our bulls and selected cows.

We look forward to the future with the confidence and excitement.

About our Team:

Mr Alfred Mahlasela runs & manages the farm in every respect.  He show great skill in whatever he does.  In 2004 he went to the Royal Show and single handedly brought back the interbreed Gold Cup.  In 2010, at both Gobabis and Pretoria Shows, he achieved remarkably, winning the interbreed Gold Cups

Oupa Nhlapo and his team look after the herd while we are away and he does a great job dipping, injecting and noticing sick animals.

Mr. Chris Marais has been a consultant at Devlan for many years and has made a huge impact on our herd.  His attention to detail and practical experience, skilled training of staff and excellent “eye” in selecting the right type of animal has put us where we are today.

Sabine Botha, a competent graduate from “Tukkies”, does a great job updating our computer records, administration and internet site.

Dr. Louis van Jaarsveld advises us on our animal health and has looked after our herd diligently since 1989.