About us – Platdrif Sussex

ABOUT

THE PLATDRIF SUSSEX STORY

In the shades of the Drakenstein and Waaihoek Mountains in the astonishing Breede River Valley, the Stofberg family farms and breeds cattle between Worcester and Rawsonville. Nollie Stofberg mainly farms with grapes used for wine production and soft citrus for exporting purposes.

The farm, Swartwalle, was purchased in 1969 by Nollie’s father, Pieter Stofberg, and this is where Nollie started farming in 1985. In 1984, Platdrif was purchased near Rawsonville, but due to marginal soil with little to no potential for trees or vines, Nollie seized the opportunity to pursue his true passion, cattle.

What started as commercial Sussex cattle farming in 1985 turned into a Sussex stud after a mere eight years in 1994. Due to limited grounds in the Western Cape, Nollie decided that quality is worth a lot more than quantity.

Female animals were bought from Mardenel, Start and Huntersvlei Stud. Top Sussex bulls were bought from studs such as Eversar, Mampudi, Huntersvlei and Stotterheim. These purchases helped and led Platdrif Sussex on the road to success.

Our aim is to breed the finest Sussex stud cattle for both the stud breeder and the commercial breeder. We consistently breed and market cattle specifically produced for fertility, conformation, Sussex breed traits, and structural soundness. Strict selection is applied for muscling, smooth hair, depth of body and growth. The Platdrif Sussex genetics flourishes in many parts of South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

EMBRYO PROGRAM

In 2018 our family suffered the indescribable loss of our son and brother, David Stofberg. His name means “beloved”, which is indeed what he is to us, our beloved. He was our laughing child. Gentle, loving, humble, full of zest for life and always ready for adventure. His timely jokes made us laugh, but he could just as easily bring wisdom to many lives in profound and honest conversations. He loved people and was loved by people.

David was still busy pursuing his masters degree in BSc Animal Sciences. He had a passion for the cattle and was also eagerly excited about the stud. We dedicate all our embryo programs to our beloved, David. For us, these programs represent new life and hope. We, as a family, strive every day to find hope in the midst of suffering.

We are richer because he is part of our life journey. He completed his race. We will persevere to the end until we see him again.

ABOUT SUSSEX CATTLE

Sussex cattle are known for their excellent temperaments, strong prepotency, fertility, early maturity, excellent milk properties and a good coat. Milk production is a strong trait in Sussex as a beef breed.

Sussex cattle work well in a crossbreeding program. Sussex bulls are used for cross breeding purposes on breeds such as Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Boran, Nguni, Senepol and Tuli because weaning weight, conformation and many other traits improve when doing this. Sussex crossbreeding also unlocks hybrid vigour amongst other breeds. Sussex bulls are used to enhance the growth rate, capacity and marketability of calves.

The growth rate and carcass quality are better, and the dark red coat occurs in about 80% of the crossed calves. This increases the demand for Sussex calves at feedlots. Versatility and a remarkable growth rate give a profit to Sussex to lead in both purebred herds and crossbreeding programs. While interbreeding Sussex bulls increase profitability and unlock hybrid vigour, the thoroughbred Sussex herds always have many benefits.

POLLED SUSSEX CATTLE

Because of the number of enquiries we have received over the last few years, Platdrif Sussex decided to invest in polled Sussex cattle genetics to enlarge the South African gene pool. This decision was measured by the growing demand of the stud as well as the commercial industry.

Polled cattle are more labour-friendly, and it takes the trauma away from dehorning young calves between one and two months of age.

Some of our clients farm in extensive areas of the Kalahari and Namibia and only get to see their herbs once a month. These herds are managed easier by not having to dehorn calves.

To breed polled cattle broadens the international gene immensely and comes with significant advantages. The Sussex breed is known for their temperaments, good milk, adaptability, and polled cattle only compliments these features.

Excellent polled bloodlines are already implemented, including the Wellington bloodline, bred by world-famous Goldstone Stud in England, and the Captain bloodline of the equally famous Mayfield Stud in that country. Our polled herd currently consists of five different bloodlines.

AJS 19-45: Current SA Record Price Bull