PJ Budler's Journey and Global Livestock Insights

PJ Budler, a fifth-generation cattle farmer from Tarestat, Northeastern Cape, South Africa, developed an early and enduring obsession with livestock, which he believes is crucial for making a difference in any field. After high school, he gained international experience working on a cattle farm in Scotland, observing different beef industry approaches. His career path saw him scale his cattle operations by partnering with property developer Lou Favvat, learning to think economically and managing diverse breeds across varied climates and cattle cultures in South Africa, Maitius, and Nuivarango. This experience taught him that a one-size-fits-all management program is ineffective, and approaches must be customized to each region, leading to a humbling but educational process.

Recognizing a lack of connection among global cattle industries, Budler founded an international livestock initiative, basing it in Texas due to its geographical accessibility and significant industry presence catering to both tropical and temperate breeds.

Global Livestock Industry Observations: Budler notes that livestock producers worldwide share key similarities: they are independent thinkers, obsessed with their work, and generally prioritize product quality over immediate profit. However, vast differences exist in climate, environment, politics, and "cattle cultures" – such as preferences for cattle color (e.g., red in South Africa, black in America) or size. He stresses the importance of listening and understanding local context before offering advice, citing examples from the Seychelles, where manure was a primary source of income, and Cameroon, where traditional methods of disease management were highly instructive.

Regional and Country-Specific Insights:

• USA: Is extremely progressive, with both exceptional good and bad practices, and is Angus dominant.
• Uruguay and Argentina: Focus on lower-input systems where cows work for the farmer, rather than the reverse, and are Angus dominant.
• Australia and New Zealand: Are lauded for phenomenal pasture management and practicality. Australia is Angus dominant.
• Japan: Features an intensive, totally different industry, utilizing breeds like Wagyu for a distinct eating experience (smaller, premium portions) and is almost all Wagyu.
• Continental Europe: Is dominated by breeds like Limousin, Charolais, and Simmentaler, similar to the British Isles.

South Africa's Unique Position: Budler highlights several advantages for South African livestock producers:

• Adapted Cattle: South African cattle are well-suited to their environment, resulting in less heat stress compared to some other regions.
• Economic Necessity: Tight margins have forced South African producers, especially those with small ruminants, to prioritize good, productive livestock.
• Government Non-Interference: The government's relative lack of involvement is seen as a "huge positive," allowing farmers significant freedom to innovate and grow their businesses without excessive regulations, unlike in many parts of Western Europe, South Korea, China, and Japan.
• Skilled Labor: South Africa possesses a significant benefit in its livestock labor, with many individuals growing up on farms and having a strong cultural affinity for cattle.

Regarding breeds in South Africa, Bonsmara and Beefmaster are numerically dominant, with Brahman-influenced breeds thriving in tropical, insect-prone, humid areas. Angus is growing in more temperate regions, and terminal breeds like Charolais and Limousin are used for feedlot cattle. Budler appreciates the diversity of breeds, seeing them as "laboratories" for finding solutions.

Importance of Exports: Budler strongly advocates for livestock exports as they provide an outlet that prevents large retail stores and feedlots from price-fixing, thereby uplifting the entire domestic industry. He identifies the Middle East and North Africa as massive premium markets for beef, lamb, and goat meat due to their inability to produce locally and their meat-eating culture. Furthermore, selling genetics into sub-Saharan Africa is crucial, as the breeds and breeders are already adapted to African diseases and conditions, offering a "massive uplift of premium on the genetics" by focusing on the "backyard". South American markets also present good opportunities for elite genetics.

Current Engagements: Budler recently judged the Limousin National Show in Bloemfontein, describing the female show as genuinely "one of the best in the world" alongside Argentina. He is currently traveling to Uruguay to judge at the World Angus Forum.