Dear Boran Breeders and Fellow Cattlemen

As I write this message for the third Boran Journal, I am horrified at the extent of the drought that South Africa and other parts of the world are experiencing. The price of maize and feeds has reached record levels, thereby putting a huge strain on the profi tability of cattle farming.

I am happy to report that fellow Boran breeders I have been in contact with tell me that the purebred Boran cattle are holding their body condi- tion better than other breeds of cattle under the same circumstances.

As a cattleman I put the above observation down to the adaptability of the indigenous Boran breed, coupled with the Boran’s better nitrogen re- cycling mechanisms. I am sure where it is applicable the Boran’s ability to browse is a contributing factor to their better body condition.

The world’s energy problems are fi rmly focused on the production of bio- fuels from maize and oilseeds. I am of the opinion that the cattle of the future will have to be more pastoral than they are at the moment. The Boran breed has a great advantage in this respect, as the Boran’s confi r- mation and its ability to graze low quality roughages are outstanding.

I hope you enjoy reading about our fellow Boran breeders and admiring the South African bred Boran cattle in the photographs.

A word of appreciation to the Boran breeders and staff that have worked hard to compile this journal.

Tim Ralfe