About Us
Derrick van Schalkwyk has been farming on Onverwacht for 38 plus years. The farm is situated approximately 60km's east of Pretoria and lies nestled between low hills.
The farming environment on Onverwacht is tough, with the 'suurveld' grazing varying between excellent in summer to deteriorating to next to nothing in winter.
Our veld is also extremely rocky and in winter months the stock require supplementary lick. We also have a high population of small predators.
Our aim as breeders is to produce stud cattle that will do exceptionally well in commercial breeding herds.
We produce bulls tough off the veld to perform superbly in commercial beef production.
As a measure of quality control, we adhere to the breed plan system of EBV evaluation (Expected Breed Values). Our animals are weighed and measured regularly to comply with the concept of genetic advancement. We are proud to say that our weaned calf crop (at 7 months/210 days) performs consistently above the average.
More importantly, is how the Brahman have adapted and survived under these conditions. Good mothering instincts and strong feet come to the fore. In this regard, the adaptability of the Brahman speaks for itself.
We are fortunate indeed to share our lives with them.
Our Mission: We are a family business, in the business of making families!
Our pride in our calf crop comes from the fact that we happen to think they are exceptional.
The future is NOW!
Embryo Flushing
Part of what interests us is history, particularly of the family type. Sometime during the1840's, a young English Lady arrived on the shores of the Cape , with her partner. She was the Lady Plant of Nottinghamshire who had run away with the coachman! We are very proud of this ancestor who demonstrated a plucky and spirited nature. She also bore a daughter, namely Henriette Stockdale who is the founder of nursing in South Africa.
Accordingly, we have named our first embryo calf "Lady Plant" as a tribute to this ancestral matriarch, and in expectation of the awesome future generations to come. Below is "Lady Plant" at two weeks (Sept 2004) and she weighed 35kg at birth. Her mother? Our very own supercow - R10 11 00!
The sire used was BROS JDH 949/2. Lady Plant is currently in calf to HOT 291. We expect an awesome calf!
Contact Information
Telephone: +27 82 558 8984
FAX: + 27 11 883 1159
Postal address: PO Box 785256, Sandton, 2146
E-mail: rinie@derrin.co.za
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