Regenerative Health with Max Gulhane, MD

31. Edwin Rous: Regenerative Farming with Nguni Cattle in Australia

Jun 21, 2023

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.

55:19

Episode guests

Edwin Rous

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

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.

Introduction

2min

Bringing Nguni Cattle to Australia through Embryo Transfer

16min

The Availability and Fertility of Nguni Cattle

7min

High Resistance to Parasites in African Apocalypse Cattle

3min

Tick defense mechanisms of Nguni cattle and symbiotic relationship with oxpeckers

2min

The Significance of Mothering Ability and Milk Production in Nguni Cows

8min

Nguni Cattle: Regenerating Soil and Thriving in Harsh Environments

17min

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

00:45:21 Ed’s hope & vision for Nguni

00:47:55: Where to learn more about Nguni

00:49:10 Ed’s parting thoughts

CONTACT ED

Edwin’s Nguni Stud, Henham Ngunis - https://www.henhamngunis.com.au/

FURTHER LISTENING

Bryant Ussher, Nguni chemical to regenerative farmer RHP #3 https://youtu.be/ulpsOpUea6w

Jake Wolki: Farming Nguni Cattle RHP #13 https://youtu.be/R7GV_3ZH93Y

Jake Wolki: Regenerative Grazing at Wolki Farm RHP #2 https://youtu.be/ktzejS0r4s8

FURTHER READING

Nguni, a Case Study https://www.fao.org/3/Y3970E/y3970e04.htm

History of Nguni in Australia - https://www.nguni.co.za/Publications/Journals/2022/Nguni_farming_in_Australia.pdf

Nguni, Rare Breeds of Australia - https://rarebreedstrustofaustralia.tidyhq.com/public/pages/sc-nguni

The Nguni of the Makatini Flats by Ed Schroeder, hardcover book - https://makhathinibook.co.za/

Nguni in the Northern Territory of Australia - https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2012-01-30/african-cattle-doing-well-in-the-territory/6171154

NGUNI MEAT

Eastwell Farms, QLD - https://eastwellfarms.com.au/

Wolki Farm, NSW - https://www.wolkifarm.com.au/

NGUNI BREEDERS

Dr Gabriël Roux, Genesis Nguni - http://www.genesisnguni.com/

GT Ferreira, NSW

Henry Townsed, Toowoomba, QLD

Mount Pleasant Grazing, QLD - http://www.mtpleasantgrazing.com/cattle

NGUNI COMMUNITY

Nguni Association of South Africa - https://nguni.co.za/

Nguni Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ngunicattle/

Nguni Australia Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ngunicattle/