13 April 2023: Loadshedding, high fuel prices, and disease management.
These are just some of the everyday challenges that Andre Bergh, General Manager of Feedlot and Farms at Beefmaster Group, must navigate to ensure the smooth running of one of South Africa’s largest beef producers. The Group’s feedlot is based in Christiana in the North West Province.
In intensive animal farming, a feedlot or feed yard is a form of animal feeding operation (AFO), particularly for beef cattle before they are sent to an abattoir. With a target weight of about 635 kilos, feedlots are designed to feed cattle so they can grow and accumulate significant amounts of body fat and muscle over the course of three to five months.
“It is not easy managing farms and feedlots under sometimes trying conditions outside our control. However, as with any business, one must keep up with trends to be competitive in the market,” says Andre, who remains determined to stay ahead of the challenges and focuses on the task at hand.
He adds that – considering the current environment – there are constantly new challenges that need addressing and solutions that need to be obtained. “Our business consists of many different facets that move every day. It is my job making sure we find fast solutions to the problems that arise.”
As General Manager, Andre’s day-to-day tasks center around everything to do with feedlots and farms. This includes finances, strategic management and future planning.
“I am, however, focused on efficiency and making Beefmaster the best it can be. This means that I research new technology and strategy while keeping the basic principles of feeding and management at the highest standard.”
Andre started his journey with a degree at the University of the Free State. When he was appointed a Junior Section Manager at Beefmaster Group in 2005, he was mostly interested in nutrition. He soon learned that nutrition focuses on much more than only what you feed cattle. In 2015 he was appointed as feedlot manager, where his focus shifted from this to management.
In his management position, he oversaw daily operations of feed yards, provided knowledge and support for herd nutrition, marketing, and environmental conditions for livestock in feedlots. In 2023 he was promoted to his current position. He has been at Beefmaster Group for more than fifteen years.
Throughout his career, Andre has undergone extensive training in various aspects of agriculture, including feedlot nutrition in the USA and obtaining international standards, such as ISO 22 000. The company has also provided him with ample opportunities to further his career and broaden his horizon of knowledge.
For young individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in farming or feedlot management, Andre advises setting clear goals and working hard to achieve them. He also suggests applying for work at businesses that can offer opportunities for career advancement.
More than anything, says Andre, to have a career in this line of work, you need heart.
“If you want to get into this business, the most important skill you will need is human relations. My job has a lot more to do with people than implementation. The job needs patience, and understanding of people,” concludes Andre.
