Transcript ARNO THERON SOUTH AFRICA

ARNO THERON
SOUTH AFRICA
Background
• The beginning: Born & raised on a Holstein dairy
farm in Kwazulu- Natal
• At age 14 sold my beef cows & bought my 1st 4
registered Jerseys
• Classifier for Jersey SA for 3 years under guidance
from Poena van Niekerk
• Engaged in joint venture with Michael Roberts of
Buckstone Jerseys for 6 years
– Milking herd of 400 cows
– Gained experience in farm management
– Triggered interest in horse racing
• In 2010 took time to travel abroad, visited
Denmark, Jersey & the USA to see variety of
the breed
• Obtained my Junior Judge certification
• On returning moved to Callender Farm in the
KZN midlands where I started Rubicon Jerseys
• History of Rubicon Jerseys
– Tried to obtain good South African family lines
– Started showing in 2003 with Grand champion cow at
the Royal show
– 2007, 3 bulls selected for the National AI test
program, of which 2 are now proven
– National Junior Champion & Jug winner 2011
– 2012 won Grand Champion & Super Cow at the Royal
show
– 2013 won Grand Champion & Gold cup inter breed
– 2013 judged Overberg On Farm herd competition
– 2014 won Grand Champion & Super cow at Royal
Show
Rocket Jane - Royal Show 2013
Sultan Jane
Callender Farm, Karkloof
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Farming on 50hectares, currently 160 milking herd
2/3 are on the TMR system, 1/3 on pasture
Current daily average 24.3 litres
Have to have high producing cows due to limited
land
Welcome to Callender Farm
Tetbury and Jonsson’s herd
Where Rubicon is today
• Breeding policy: select for type & alternative
pedigrees
• Like to select on Dam lines
• Best bull used Barber Rocket
• Current bulls in use: BW Ares, VJ Hilario,
Karbala & Ladd
• Have the privilege of managing the Tetbury &
Jonnson herd, 2 of KZN’s top Jersey herd
Iatola Whitney
Centurion Mandy at 12 years
Country Wilamena & T-Bone Goldy
On show tomorrow
T-Bone Goldy
Zuma Jane at 23 months
T-Bone Goldy
Legal Wilamena, Country Wilamena,
Legal Milly
Interests & Hobbies
• While at Michael Roberts developed a passion
for Thoroughbreds horses
• Showing & Judging
Future outlook
• Aim is to have the best herd in the country
• With type, aiming to breed functional & easy
manageable cows therefore also looking at
health traits
• Continue my passion for the Jersey breed
Zuma Jane 1st Lactation