A portrait in chalk pastel of the superb young Sussex bull NJB 05 0043, selected from over 800 Phase C-tested bulls as overall winner of the 2007 Vleissentraal-ARC Special Performance Test Class, was presented to his breeder, Nico Bouwer of the Witkwas Sussex Stud, Delareyville.
The bull, born on 25 September 2005, recorded a weaning index of 110, an ADG of 1 923g (Index 114) and an FCR of 5,39 (Index115) in a contemporary group of 28 in a C1 Test at the Vryburg Testing Centre. He was nominated by his breed society and judged as best representative of his breed on conformation by interbreed judges Martin Seyfferdt, Dr Tok Serfontein and Carel Nel at the Pretoria Show on 28 August 2007, in stiff competition from bulls from 13 other breeds.
The portrait, by artist David Johnson, was commissioned by Vleissentraal and presented to Nico at a special function at Pachas Restaurant, Pretoria, by Vleissentraal managing director Piet Botha. It will take pride of place in Nico and his wife Trudie’s lounge. “My study’s too small,” he quips. – Chris Nel