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2004 Annual Council Meetings
Vice President (Africa) - Report
Good news from Africa! Tanzania has started with a Jersey Society. Charles Dulle (Secretary) mentioned to me that they
have 25 members enrolled. In February I presented a very successful workshop for the field officers of HPI and the AI
Centre. The struggle in Tanzania is to convince people that Jerseys are more adapted for Africa than any other dairy
breed. The Tengeru Training College near Arusha has maintained the purity of their Jersey herd for the last 20 years.
The herd is looking good and can be to the benefit of the Jersey breed in Tanzania.
Kenya is experiencing a big demand for cattle. Their biggest problem is also to convince people that Jerseys are more
suited for Africa. They have 13 active bulls in their AI program. The Elite show that was held in October was a big
success with 100 entries.
The demand for cattle is South Africa is also on a high. Although the milk price in S.A. has dropped by 10 – 20%, Jersey
farmers are still doing well. It was heart- warming to hear the positive comments from the visitors during the WJCB tour
in September. The SA Jersey population has improved dramatically over the past 10 years. The local testing program is
producing outstanding bulls. Bulls like Alf Illustrious, Berretta Future and Barber Ambassador are competing very well
with the best from overseas.
The bad news is that things are only deteriorating in Zimbabwe. No communication is possible with their society.
My sincere apology for not attending this meeting. I wish Argentina and Chile all the best of luck with the tour.
Respectfully submitted.
Poena van Niekerk
February 2004
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