• Participant Platform

It’s not just a competition; it’s a comprehensive platform where we can collectively tackle issues, troubleshoot problems, and provide answers to any questions you might encounter.

• Mutual Learnings

We’re not just your guide; we’re eager to learn from your experiences. This collaborative approach means that as we assist you, we gain valuable insights to refine our support and offer even more personalized assistance.

• The farmer’s business on every farm.

At OBARO, we aim to be the farmer’s business on every farm. By understanding your precise location and immersing ourselves in your experiences, we can connect you with the ideal representative. It’s about personalising our support and being right there with you on your farming journey.

• Nationwide Solutions at Your Fingertips:

Our online store is a strategic resource that delivers nationwide. When we recommend specific products, it’s not just a suggestion; it’s a solution delivered straight to your doorstep.

This unique competition is meticulously crafted to redefine your understanding of carcass management, providing a comprehensive overview of the process from field to abattoir.

Here’s the key stages:

Backgrounding (Days 1-30):

• Begin by harvesting weaner bull calves and initiate backgrounding with grazing and a production lick over 30 days.

Processing (Days 31-50):

• Witness a crucial phase where animals undergo vaccination, anti-parasitic treatment, and receive supplements for optimal fat and muscle build-up.
• Experience the transition to ad lib feeding after a 10-day adaptation to the feedlot ration.

Mid-Challenge Checkpoint (Day 50):

• Participate in the midpoint assessment, involving Palafilaria treatment and interval weights to gauge animal performance.

Transition to Finisher Ration (Day 90):

• Enter a critical phase where animals should have developed sufficient subcutaneous fat for a transition to the finisher ration.
• Navigate the challenges of close monitoring to avoid bloat, with adjustments for animals not meeting fat development criteria.

Post-Finisher Transition (Day 100+):

• Witness the post-finisher transition, where animals on the finisher ration return to the grower ration for medication withdrawal.

Final Assessment (Day 120+):

• Engage in the conclusive stage with marking and weighing of animals.
• Participate in insightful discussions about growth parameters and selection criteria.
• Culminate the journey with a visit to the abattoir, where SAMIC (South African Meat Industry Company) provides valuable guidance on carcasses and meat production.

The Brits competition is set to kick off from May/June and extend through September.

Similarly, the Groblersdal Carcass competition is scheduled to commence in June/July and will run until October.

When delving into the financial considerations of the competition, it’s crucial to recognise that the financial implications primarily rest on the shoulders of the farmer.

To optimise profit margins in the inherently low-profit feed lotting business, we strongly recommend that farmers initiate the process with approximately 10 weaner bull calves.

Why 10? Feed lotting’s profitability is intricately linked to quantity—larger quantities result in higher profit margins. Moreover, many medication packages come in minimum quantities of 10 doses, aligning with the optimal starting number. This strategic approach empowers farmers to efficiently utilise their resources, as smaller numbers could translate to diminished profit margins.

Realistic Financial Planning

It’s imperative for farmers to approach the venture with financial realism. Intensive animal feeding is undeniably a costly exercise.

Therefore, prospective participants must realistically assess their capacity to successfully feed the weaners until they reach slaughter readiness.

The key to a financially sound competition journey lies in a pragmatic understanding of the financial commitments involved.

OBARO’s Comprehensive Support

At OBARO, we stand committed to supporting farmers throughout the competition and beyond. Our technical assistance is at your disposal throughout the competition duration, providing invaluable guidance.

Additionally, we equip you with tools designed to streamline record-keeping and facilitate the handling of animals effortlessly.