SA Holstein society
History of 90 years
In 2002 SA Holstein celebrated its 90th anniversary and thus an opportunity to take a brief pause and have a look at the Society’s history, who,with remarkable foresight, showed optimism and a tremendous spirit of initiative.
Since then, the Society has overcome many challenges, making it much stronger today.
The Black and White Friesian breed of cattle, from which our own Holstein cattle are mainly descended,
originated in the lowland areas of North Western Europe, which borders on the North Sea.
Because the early Settlers of South Africa and many more in particular the Cape Colony,had close racial, political and family ties with Holland, it can be expected that,as far back as the 17th and 18th centuries, importations of cattle would have been made from Holland.
When the first Friesland animals were imported there was, however, no herd book in South Africa in which they could be registered and thus perpetuate their bloodlines or purity of breeding.
On the initiative of Mr CG Lee, a meeting of interested farmers was called in 1905. At this meeting it was decided to form the South African Stud Book Association.
Breeders of Friesland cattle felt, however, that their interests would be best served by a breed Society which would protect the interests of both the breed and its breeders, and guidance for future development.
A meeting of interested breeders was therefore convened in Bloemfontein on the 21st October 1912, where it was decided to form the Friesland Cattle Breeders Association of South Africa (FCBA).
The Association has since inception been active in promoting the breed and improving the registration system and guarding the interests of its members. In 1990 the name of the Association, under the presidency of the Hon Justice GGA Munnik, was changed to the SA Holstein Friesland Society (SAHFS).
This name has stayed in tact until 1998 when, under the leadership of the president Mr PN Pentz, the council decided that the Society had to make some changes to accommodate the progress the breed had made in the past years. The name was changed to SA Holstein which was approved at the Annual General Meeting of 15 September 1998.
The idea that Holsteins were only capable of producing high volumes faded with the new record of 19 024kg milk with 4% butterfat and 3.1% protein. A new production record was setup as well with 19 500kg milk.
These results are once again proof that the Holstein Breed is a profitable breed which can be manipulated to accommodate the milk buyers with solids or production depending on their needs.
To cope with the ever changing environment in South Africa, we need willing, persevering men and woman with vision. I very much hope that the demanding challenges in this changing environment will continue to bring success and satisfaction to you and your Society.
- Gerrie du Preez
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