Rothman Livestock

Training Services

Sustainable Ranch Management Course

Progress is only possible with Knowledge

In order to provide ranchers with the skills and knowledge to implement the whole concept-based ranching concept, Johann Zietsman presents Sustainable Ranch Management courses on a regular basis.

These 2-3 day courses are usually presented at the Beefcor feedlot near Bronkhorstspruit, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa but can be presented at other venues by arrangement.

Courses are guaranteed

Johann guarantees that each student will be provided with all the knowledge to enable breeding cattle that are the most efficient in converting grass to beef, all the while improving the land on which they graze. Stocking rates can also be increased to between double and quadruple those officially recommended, depending upon environment and circumstances.

Course Details

Course Duration:  2 - 3 days depending upon requirements 

Cost:  US$ 500.00/person. Payable in cash in equivalent ZAR or € if preferred.

Husband/wife; father/son or brother teams pay for one person only

Excludes Johann's traveling costs if presented at other venues

2010 Course Dates 

15 - 16 March 2010         Beefcor Feedlot, Bronkhorstspruit 

03 - 04 May 2010  Beefcor Feedlot, Bronkhorstspruit

06 - 07 September 2010        Beefcor Feedlot, Bronkhorstspruit

01 - 02 November 2010         Beefcor Feedlot, Bronkhorstspruit

Book for Courses

Pre-booking is essential! Please make use of our online application form.

Fee includes

- Theory and Practical modules

- Comprehensive course notes

- On-site consultation

- Lunch

Course Content

-Basis for economic sustainability; the relative importance of stocking rate and animal performance.

-Maximum profit/animal or maximum sustainable profit/ha?

-Relative intake; the determinant of efficiency and the basis of selection.

-Why conventional performance testing (Phase C and D tests) does not lead to profit/ha.

-Size relative to efficiency.

-Selecting for fertility — the most important characteristic required by cattle.

-Appropriate calving season resulting in a short breeding period (42 days) and effective AI (80% suckling cows bred in 1st 11 days).

-Supplementation vs Production feeding.

-The relative importance of different breeds and types in attaining maximum sustainable profit/ha.

-Effective breeding systems — crossbred bull on crossbred cow and genotype fixation.

-The modifying influence of hormones on performance and size.

-The necessity of managing the whole (grass/severe grazer/predator)

-Managing the ecosystem through the hooves and mouths of cattle.

-Cheap and effective infrastructure required to manage cattle in terms of stock density (animal impact) and time.

-The relationship between time and grazing/trampling and nutrition.

-Stock density, recovery period and drought reserve necessary for difficult environments.

-How to assess stocking rate and drought reserve.

-Monitoring changes in the ecosystem.

-Adapting management according to the requirements of the ecosystem and cattle.

© 2007 - 2009 Johann Zietsman

For more information please follow this link.

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