The Old Mutual Inter-Breed Championships, also known as the "World Cup of Shows in South Africa," is an annual competition that identifies the best cattle in South Africa. It is considered the "champions of champions" event, holding a very high status and serving as a platform to honor the genetics and hard work of South African farmers.
Key aspects of the championships include:
- Qualification Process: Entry is not direct; animals must qualify. To do so, an animal must have won the supreme male or female champion title in its specific breed at one of approximately 10 designated agricultural shows across South Africa. Examples of these qualifying shows include Hertsog Wil, Ligtenburg, Vryburg, Bloemskou, Nampo, Alisras, Tabazimbi, George, Swartland, and the Parys All-Breed Show. Only winners from these championships are invited to the Inter-Breed Championships at Nampo Alfa.
- Judging: Qualifying shows use an independent panel of judges. At the Inter-Breed Championships, an international judge, such as PJ Butler, independently evaluates the animals. A unique aspect of the inter-breed judging is that it does not compare different breeds against each other. Instead, it compares an individual animal's qualities within its own breed to another breed, focusing on how well each animal exemplifies the desired traits of its specific breed. This approach aims to set standards and showcase the ideal representation of each breed.
- Awards: Annually, the best cow and the best bull in South Africa are named at Nampo Alfa.
- History and Growth: The competition is eight years old this year, having started in 2016 at Paris Safred Dome. It has since grown to become the flagship competition of Nampo Alfa.
- Past Winners: The event has seen a variety of winners, including Simmentaler, Limousin, Brahman, and Angus. John Davenport, a breeder, has won the inter-breed competition three times with Limousines.
- Event Experience: The event is described as a "nail-biting" occasion. Animals parade through the hall among tables and people, creating significant excitement for attendees before the winners are announced.
- Support and Future: With Old Mutual's assistance, efforts are being made to support qualifiers with transport and accommodation, addressing a significant expense for stud farmers. This support aims to add more prestige to the event.
- Participation Numbers: Currently, a maximum of 20 animals (10 cows and 10 bulls, representing the winners from 10 shows) participate, though organizers wish to expand this in the future.
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