By Zwi Maphiri and Matsobane Manaka
MEC of Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) visited the cradle of Bonsmara cattle. This cradle of Bonsmara cattle is called Mara Research Station which is one of the research facilities of the LDARD.
The cradle of Bonsmara derives from this establishment – Mara Research Station – thus, where Bonsmara was bred between 1937 to 1963. The project was under the leadership of Professor Jan Bosman. The name Bonsmara was derived from Professor Bonsman’s surname and Mara was where the first crossbred calves were born.
The breed was made from the mix of Hereford, Shorthorn and Afrikaner. The unique characteristics is that it is the most dominant beef cattle breed, and it can survive under Africa’s harsh climatic conditions.
As the purpose and part of his visit, MEC emphasised that the genes of the breed need to be conserved as the breed is very much special and is the pride of Limpopo and the country. The visit was also meant to meet and greet the employees of the Research institution. The MEC met the employees during a walk-about at the farm with the intention of identifying and addressing the challenges facing by the employees at the institution.
