Beef production systems and sales strategies in an extensive ranching region in South Africa

Rainfall variability and stocking rate in extensive ranching regions in the Northwestern Transvaal, South Africa, can have substantial influence on feed availability per animal and thus on beef production. A simulation model was developed to compare the degree of variability of revenues from four beef production systems, ranging from inflexible weaner marketing to marketing of 3-year-old oxen. Regression equations relating stocking rate and rainfall to calving percentage and weaning mass, and actual rainfall data over a period of 54 years were used in the analysis. Results indicated a lower mean revenue with a low income variation for the more intensive weaner system as compared to the more flexible 26–28-months and 39–42-months oxen production systems. Thus, in this area, characterised by low and rather variable rainfall, superior economic results can be obtained by choosing flexible production systems and marketing strategies.