Senwes Scenario April / May 2019 | Page 54

NEWS 50 | Dipsie a balance between top genetic progress, longevity, etcetera. Dipsie Dipsie is “really special. “My father earmarked her as champion when she was born”, Pieter said. In addition to the Hinterland win, Dipsie has been the winner at other shows as well, namely at Lichtenburg, Bloemfontein, Royal and Nampo. What makes her so special? Well, she is of medium frame, has a good udder and milk characteristics, depth and width capacity and structural perfection. A true winner! Hinterland Interbreed Championships @ Alfa Hinterland offers a wonderful platform or showcase with their championships. Showing, as in the Oelofse's case, is a workable option without significant additional costs. Remember, the licks, innoculations and labour are the same. The show costs are also not very high and they regard it as a premium which they pay, since the top commercial prices are the lowest limit. There is no way in which commercial animals sell for R40 000 to R80 000 and even more. They have had a number of offers for Dipsie, but she is not for sale. Her value has increased due to the shows - “Who would have known about her if it wasn't for the shows?”, Chris asked. In the process the value of her mother Dittie also increased. Having said this, excuse the pun, competitions are not the alpha and omega for them - it isn't an exact science.. Advice to newbies Their advice to newbies is simple. Don't buy expensive options, do not pay top prices, do not buy from top breeders, avoid hasty buying transactions, visit various herds and buy structurally correct animals. Visit shows and enter to see if you are on the right track, and remember: “Instant gratification in the market is not sustainable.” A last bit of advice is to listen to the market and to keep your eyes and ears open for changes which have taken place, and: “A good animal can also be a beautiful animal.” The Oelofses don't deserve all the praise - but also every person, every farmer, member of staff and advisor who had a share in her. With the passion of Peter and a bit of luck, they are hoping to win many trophies in future. Keep on breeding, Oelofse family! Ontsluit jou potensiaal met DEKALB ® -innovasie ES OU SUKS PLANT J DEKALB ® wens graag vir Senwes Scenario geluk met hul 110de bestaansjaar. DEKALB® is ’n geregistreerde handelsmerk van Monsanto Technology LLC. Monsanto Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk, Posbus 69933, Bryanston, 2021. www.dekalb.co.za DEKALB SA 52 SENWES SCENARIO | AUTUMN 2019 DEKALB South Africa dekalbsa @DEKALB_SA