31. Edwin Rous: Regenerative Farming with Nguni Cattle in Australia
Jun 21, 2023
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Edwin Rous, regenerative farmer and expert breeder of Nguni cattle, discusses his journey out of Africa, the attributes of Nguni including fertility and easy calving, parasite resistance, mothering ability, regenerative farming techniques, and the economic advantages of running Nguni.
Nguni cattle have exceptional fertility, parasite resistance, and easy calving, making them ideal for regenerative farming practices.
The adaptability of Nguni cattle to different feeds and habitats, as well as their positive impact on soil health and the environment, make them suitable for sustainable and environmentally friendly meat production.
Deep dives
The Origin and Background of the Goony Cattle Breed
The Goony cattle breed originated in Africa and has evolved over thousands of years to be adaptable and robust. It was bred by the tribal people of South Africa for traits such as heartiness and ability to survive in harsh conditions. The breed has a unique history, being used as a form of currency by the Zulu people, who valued their cattle more than money. The Goony cattle demonstrated their ability to thrive in tough environments and resist predators and diseases, making them highly desirable.
Key Attributes and Qualities of the Goony Cattle
The Goony cattle have exceptional fertility, with maturing heifers able to have their first calf at around 20 to 24 months old. They have a high resistance to parasites, both internal and external, due to their loose skin, swishing tail, and natural behaviors of self-grooming and biting off ticks. The breed also exhibits excellent mothering abilities, with cows having a functional udder that provides sufficient milk for their calves. Their adaptability to different feeds and habitats enables them to browse on a variety of vegetation, making them incredibly versatile and able to thrive in diverse environments.
Benefits of Goony Cattle for Regenerative Farming
Goony cattle have great potential for regenerative farming practices. Their low intervention requirements, such as no need for vaccinations, drenching, or excessive human intervention in breeding, make them highly suitable for regenerative grazing. Goony cattle contribute to soil health by facilitating the regeneration of pasture due to their adaptability and less selective feeding habits. These cattle have a positive impact on the environment, as they promote the health of dung beetles and other beneficial organisms. Additionally, their ability to convert roughage into meat without added urea supplements makes them ideal for sustainable and environmentally friendly meat production.
The Vision for Goony Cattle in Australia
The vision for Goony cattle in Australia is to see more farmers embracing and breeding this breed. The hope is that Goony cattle will become recognized as a distinct breed that is preserved and bred for its unique attributes. It is desired that more purebred Goony animals are kept and that the breed does not get watered down through excessive cross-breeding. The goal is to have Goony cattle contribute to sustainable agriculture, regenerative land management, and provide healthy, grass-fed meat for consumers.
Edwin Rous is a regenerative farmer and expert breeder of Nguni cattle. He migrated from South Africa in the late 2000s bringing his Nguni cattle in embryo form. He is one of the pioneers in establishing the breed in Australia, and operates Henham Ngunis, his Nguni stud near Gundaroo, NSW.
Edwin and I discuss his journey out of Africa, the amazing attributes of Nguni including exceptional fertility, parasite resistance, mothering ability, easy calving as well regenerative farming techniques, the economic advantages of running Nguni, and more.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 Dr Max’s intro & background on Nguni
00:02:38 Edwin’s farming backstory
00:06:10 The history of Nguni in Africa
00:12:15 How Edwin brought Nguni embryos to Australia
00:17:20 Other Nguni breeders in Australia
00:18:00 Attributes of Nguni – exceptional fertility & easy calving
00:23:40 Parasite & tick resistance
00:28:20 Mothering ability
00:32:15 Edwin’s regnerative grazing practices & economic advantages of Nguni
00:37:55 What does Nguni taste like?
00:39:40 Nguni can thrive on marginal, sub-optimal grasses and shrubs