13/11/2025
๐ฆ๐๐๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐' ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ถ๐น๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐
A powerful message from husband-and-wife duo Streicher and Hella Coetzee marked the conclusion of the Windhoek livestock show at the annual cattle parade. The Coetzees were the NAUโs livestock producer award winners in 2024 and highlighted the responsibility of Namibian stud breeders, which rests on three pillars - dissection, sustainability, and mentorship.โ
Hella said the show weekโs events had been โa resounding success and a powerful affirmation of the livestock industryโs impact. Every animal represented years of careful planning, sleepless nights, difficult decisions, and daily commitment to do what is best for the herd.โ
She reminded co-breeders that real progress begins after the show ends. โItโs easy to be distracted by the colourful ribbons, but the great stud breeder focuses on the data. Use the information you gained during the show week, including critique on conformation, weight gains and fertility data, to make your next breeding decisions sharper and smarter."
Streicher emphasised that breeding must respond to changing environmental and market demands in line with the second pillar of sustainability. โConsumers want sustainably raised meat, and our climate is increasingly challenging. We must breed for herds that require less to produce more - animals with greater feed efficiency, hardiness, sustainable fertility and natural resistance to disease.โ He added that the genetic strength of the stud sector determines the success of commercial beef producers.
PHOTO: In an applaudable joint effort, Hella and Streicher Coetzee delivered the official closing address at the Windhoek Show as last yearโs NAU livestock producer award winners.
