It's amazing what a difference rain makes, especially in the usually dull Free State! Earlier this week Quentin did a photo shoot with some of his Boran cows that are being prepared for embryo flushing at Stompie Olivier's farm about 40km from Vastrap near Hobhouse. Some of these cows will also be on sale at … Continue reading The grass is greener!
Motherly Affection
Boran cows have extremely strong mothering instincts, which make them very protective of their calves. Perhaps this has something to do with their heritage in Kenya of grazing in the veld alongside wild animals (see The Boran: God's Gift to Cattlemen). I saw this first hand one day when I was walking the dogs and … Continue reading Motherly Affection
A farmer’s work is never done
I’ve been trying to write this post since early yesterday morning, but our internet connection was down and somehow I never finished it. I haven't posted about the farm in ages because we've been away so much. It has been raining heavily in most parts of the country except here with us. Every time rain … Continue reading A farmer’s work is never done
Hanging with Hope
You have probably gathered by now that we love our Boran cattle. They are so beautiful and serene. Having them on our farm has really added another dimension from a business perspective, but also for the pure enjoyment of them. Our Boran stud was significantly expanded late last year when Vastrap Boran (VST) acquired the … Continue reading Hanging with Hope
A Calf is Born
Quentin arrived home in a very big hurry one afternoon in late May shouting for Ashley and me to come with him. There was a cow in distress and she needed help with the delivery of her calf, which was in a breach position. This was the first I had ever heard about "pulling a … Continue reading A Calf is Born
R.I.P. Little Calf
It's been a sad few days here at Vastrap. Ashley arrived at the farm on Sunday for her monthly 10 day visit. On Monday an extremely severe cold front swept through the country causing snow fall in all nine provinces. I was in Johannesburg for a night on Monday and when I drove back to … Continue reading R.I.P. Little Calf
Calving season has begun!
It’s calving seasons at Vastrap! Since the end of July little babies have been arriving all over the place keeping Quentin, Abraham, Tshidiso and Molantwa very busy recording each birth and checking to see that there aren’t any problems. We have three different types of calves at Vastrap. The naturally bred Angus and Boran calves … Continue reading Calving season has begun!
How life has changed: weekends at cattle auctions
The past week is a good illustration of my schizophrenic life. I spent the first few days of the week at home on the farm working and fixing things in the garden. I drove to Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon and spent two busy days in the office on Thursday and Friday. There is never much … Continue reading How life has changed: weekends at cattle auctions
Vastrap Boran 