The Up George Bonsmara herd was started over 30 years ago after purchasing the farm Up George from Rumevite Research station in the Wasbank area, with 200 Afrikaner x Sussex Hereford x Simmentaler commercial cows at their dispersal sale. These were well adapted, quality cows with capacity, milk and longevity, which were selected on fertility, milk and heavy weaner production.

This quality proven herd of commercial cows, as well as a few SP cows from the Rob Taylor herd in Underberg, formed the basis of the Up George Bonsmara herd.
These cows were all passed as basics and with very strict selection for fertility, milk, and adaptability. The herd was upgraded through the years using Arthur De Villiers bulls initially as well as bulls from other selected herds. To strive for uniformity Up George started using their own bulls from the top cows in the herd.

“We strive for tough, adaptable, well-fleshed bulls, where the weight is in the length. A strict visual, as well as Bonsmara protocol, selection process is continuously enforced whereby the breeding herd”

They then started to see the results they were striving for, namely easy fleshing cattle with capacity and milk, producing a heavy weaner and reconceiving early again under tough hardy conditions off the veld with no supplementation other than a lick. Up George first started to sell at the Swartberg, Ladysmith, Vryheid, and Dundee bull sales from 1989 as B commercial bulls. The demand for the Ralfe’s Up George Bulls grew to such an extent that in 1999 they held their first production sale on the farm with 35 bulls, the majority being SP bulls.

The Up George herd has now increased to 450 breeding SP cows, and the Ralfes are proud to be offering 70 bulls as well as 50 females at their production sale on Friday, July 7. “We strive for tough, adaptable, well-fleshed bulls, where the weight is in the length. A strict visual, as well as Bonsmara protocol, selection process is continuously enforced whereby the breeding herd, and sale bulls need to withstand the harsh conditions on the veld on steep unforgiving terrain,” said Derek Ralfe.

AAM Livestock Agents and Auctioneers will be conducting the 19th Up George Bonsmaras Production sale on Friday at the Up George farm, Wasbank, KZN. A viewing day will be held on Thursday, July 6. Details: Johan Geldenhuys, 071 258 4079, of AAM for further information or visit the website, www.aamkzn.co.za, for photos and information.