The two brothers, Wilhelmus and CJ van der Schyff are currently running this mixed crop-livestock farming. In 2006 Wilhelmus obtained his degree in B.Com Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State after which he started his farming career. They are blessed with two sons, Wilhelmus jnr (2) and Anton (recently born). In 2009 CJ received his degree in B.Com Investment Management at the University of the Free State and married Elrien (previously de Villiers) in 2011. He started his farming career right after he finished his studies. CJ’s business skills were a great contribution to the farm. The main components of the farming business are cattle and crops. The cattle farming consists of commercial cows as well as a Beefmaster stud, called SCHYFF BEEFMASTERS. The crops consist of maize and sunflower. Although our father, late Willie van der Schyff farmed with a variety of breeds in his commercial herd, it consisted predominantly of Beefmasters, Brahman crossings and Bonsmaras. With this wide variety we were able to make an informed decision with regards to which breed we believed was best to start our own successful stud. The choice was obvious when we realized Beefmasters had heavier weaning calves, the cows were able to remain in great condition despite environmental conditions, as well as the fact that they had high reconception abilities. Beefmaster was the breed of our choice which breed would take our farming to a higher level! Our first two bulls were purchased from Mike Nicolau. After that we had our first cows selected and our stud was registered in 2008 as SCHYFF BEEFMASTERS. Since then we purchased top bulls respectively from WO, 4X4, Bos Blanco, Human, Nooitverwag, Ottershaw, and Westminister. Although our breeding policy is straightforward, it is also very strict. We allow only one breeding season of 90 days (1 December to 28 February). Heifers are put with a bull on 14 months so that they can calf when they are two years of age, and from there on they are bred on a yearly basis. It is expected from each cow to wean a strong calf every year (+-50% of the mother’s weight) and no cow is allowed a second chance for reconception. Performance testing is done on all of our stud cattle. The young bulls go through a phase D test on the field for 112 days which starts in middle June and ends in October. After that period our finest bulls are selected for own use at the age of 14 months. With great confidence we can declare that the Beefmaster breed has improved our herd significantly and we are extremely excited for the new calves expected in 2012!
