The Vastrap Auction is distinguished by the fact that we offer for sale every single one of our own bred pregnant 7-year old cows. Each year these cows represent some of the best animals in the entire Vastrap herd and sometimes, the best in the country. This offers the buyer complete transparency and the opportunity … Continue reading Unique offering of 7-year old cows sets Vastrap apart
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I report that Jackie MHB 05-08 was stuck and killed by lightening last night. Jackie has had such a huge impact at Vastrap and her story reflects the journey that I have walked with the Boran. It’s probably hard for new Boran breeders to really … Continue reading Jackie MHB 05-08 – Tribute to a Herd Matriarch
In this blog I would like to focus on Estimated Breeding Values (EBV's) and why are they so important. In particular, how can EBVs be used to help pick which animals to buy in order to build or improve one's herd. The main point I would like to make is that EBVs supply crucial decision-making information … Continue reading The importance of accurate EBVs in animal selection
Vastrap Boran is excited to introduce one of our new stud sires, Samurai SS 11-31 (Dianna SS 06-03 x Kobra SS 08-61). His mother, Dianna SS 06-03 (HVT 97-15 x HVT 95-03) caught Quentin's eye very early in his stud breeding career when he visited Corn van der Watt in January 2012. She is an extraordinary cow – beautiful … Continue reading Introducing our new stud sire, Samurai SS 11-31!
Based on records going back 119 years, 2015 was the driest year ever recorded in our district. At Vastrap we recorded 386mm in 2015 compared with a long term average of 620mm. Our rainfall for the 2015/16 summer has only been 300mm. Two dry summers in a row have really taken their toll causing a succession … Continue reading Boran resilient through extreme drought
Vastrap Boran participated in a feedlot trial of Boran crossbred weaners with Sparta Beef organised by the Free State Boran Club. The initiative was planned and implemented by Rikus Stander of Mount Kenya Boran. The results are great news for the Boran breed. In particular, the feed conversion rates (FCR), both during backgrounding and the feedlot … Continue reading Crossbred Boran Feedlot Trial with Sparta
The two most prominent bloodlines in the Vastrap Boran herd are the Jackie motherline and the Khan sireline. The Jackie's have been prolific breeders because of their enormous flushing capabilities and excellent fertility. The Jackie's are obviously close to our hearts, because the very first investment we made in the Boran was the purchase of Jackie … Continue reading Jackie-Khan: the foundation of the Vastrap herd
We were so touched by this gentle and loving interaction between Hope MHB 04-11 and her calf by Griffen MHB 06-24, Hope VST 14-92. It's such a treat when we get to spend some quiet time with our Boran herd taking photos and generally bonding with the cows. Every-day farming is so hectic and Quentin is … Continue reading Touched by Mother Love
This is the story of a little Boran bull calf who fell down an aardvark hole and was very lucky to be rescued by Quentin. We're not sure if other Boran farmers have experienced this too, but we've had quite a few incidents of calves falling down holes that they couldn't get out of, much … Continue reading Calf rescue!
Vastrap Boran 