“If it’s not good enough to publish scientifically, it’s not good enough to implement”

Sernick has added a new division within its already diversified operations to undertake the role of research and innovation. At the helm of this new division is Phillip Oosthuizen, Head of Research and Economics, Dr. Piet Swiegers, Ruminant Nutritionist and Feedlot Operational Head and David Smit, Feedlot Administrator and Research Operational Manager.

The reasoning behind this new division according to Nick Serfontein, Sernick Group chairman, is to improve beef production in terms of profitability and quality. “As with any business, which includes the agricultural sector, what has worked before will not necessarily work in the years to come. This is particularly true for the beef feedlot industry where we face big challenges because of the relatively little research done in comparison to other agricultural sectors,” Serfontein explains. The decision to add the new division strengthens Sernick’s philosophy to set new standards within the industry by challenging the status quo.

Serfontein ends by saying: “Most agricultural products have always been ‘just another’ commodity, but if we want to survive and accelerate into the future, we will have to distinguish ourselves, as well as the perception of our products.”

The Research and Innovation Division’s first project will be to measure the effect of growth stimulants, both implants and B-Agonist on growth, feed conversion, profit margins and meat tenderness. This project will commence in December 2017 and should be completed by April 2018. Economic analysis in terms of feedlot profitability, product quality and consumer requirements are ongoing processes. “We are exploring new products and methods to increase profitability and product quality. This research will allow us to determine the balance between profitability and meat quality through a combination of different products and assess the users’ method thereof,” says the head of research, Phillip Oosthuizen.

A second research project is planned to start in May 2018. The goal will be to build on the Sernick Precision Feedlotting project done in  2015. The objective is to determine the profit maximizing feeding period for different breeds of beef cattle where the backgrounding orpre-conditioning period is included. The profit maximizing feeding period model will be strengthened through additional factors considered and data incorporated. “The 2015 research established a platform to differentiate between different beef breeds on the grounds of genetic potential to excel in the feedlot. This differentiation and relevant market prices is used to optimize feed periods and increase feedlot profitability. The new data and upgraded model will allow for optimized feed periods with more accuracy”, Oosthuizen explains.

According to Oosthuizen the objective of their research is to innovate the red meat value chain which include various products, the use thereof, processes, technology, business models and sectors within the industry. “We are extremely excited and passionate towards our work and confidant that we will make a significant contribution towards our future in South Africa,” says Oosthuizen.

About the Sernick Group:

Sernick, founded in 1982, is a diversified organization with its focus on agriculture and agricultural processing activities, including a Bonsmara stud, commercial Bonsmara herd, a Phase C bull testing station, animal feed production (Sernick Animal Feeds), feedlot, red meat production (Sernick Country Meat abattoir, de-boning and processing) as well as retail outlets (Country Meat) and restaurants (The Braai Room). Sernick is based in and near Kroonstad in the Free-state province of South Africa and consists of 7 business entities, each adding value to the group. The group employs more than 500 people with annual revenues of R 1,2 Billion.