In the dry region of Piet Plessis in North West, cattle farmer Judy Vercueil has spent more than 30 years refining a system that puts both productivity and animal welfare first. Running a herd of approximately 70 Bonsmara cows in a cow-calf weaner setup, she has built her operation around efficiency, simplicity and a deep respect for natural behaviour.
Her herd is kept together year-round, supported by a centralised water point supplied by a windmill – a straightforward system that reduces unnecessary movement and labour. But it’s her distinctive approach to weaning that has had the biggest impact on her farming success.
Judy’s thinking regarding weaning was shaped decades ago. In the early 1990s, she was part of a large-scale cattle enterprise near Vryburg, managing a 1 200-head Drakensberger herd that produced around 500 weaners annually. Alongside this, she worked with farmers across Southern Africa, sharing knowledge on holistic livestock management. It was here that she began questioning the conventional, high-stress method of separating cows and calves.
“Weaning is one of the toughest periods in cattle production,” she says. “It affects both the animals and the farmer’s bottom line. There had to be a better way.”
That search for a solution led to the development of the EasyWean® NoseRing® more than three decades ago – a simple yet effective tool that allows calves to stop suckling without being removed from their mothers.
Less stress, better performance
Instead of abrupt separation, Judy’s system keeps cows and calves together while preventing nursing. Once fitted, the NoseRing discourages suckling, prompting the cow to gradually distance herself from the calf. The result is a natural, low-stress weaning process.
The difference in performance is significant. Traditional weaning methods, particularly on sourveld, often lead to major weight losses – as much as 30 kg to 40kg in cows and up to 25 kg in calves. Recovering from this setback requires extra feed, supplements or time, all of which add cost.
With Judy’s approach, weight loss is minimal to non-existent. Cows maintain better body condition, which plays a crucial role in fertility. By weaning calves at around seven months, cows have sufficient time to regain condition before the next calving season.
This has a direct impact on reproduction. Judy consistently achieves conception rates of around 95%, a level of efficiency that underpins the profitability of her system.
Beyond the expected
While the primary goal was to reduce stress, the system has delivered additional, often unexpected, benefits. Calves that remain with their mothers during weaning continue to learn from them, including grazing habits and plant selection. In some cases, this has helped prevent losses from toxic plants such as lantana.
The method also allows for greater flexibility in herd management. Calves of varying ages can be weaned without disrupting the herd structure, making it easier to manage grazing and resources.
For younger cows, particularly first-calvers, the option to wean calves earlier provides valuable recovery time, improving their chances of conceiving again.
A practical, natural system
Judy’s philosophy is simple: work with nature, not against it. “I try to farm in a way that follows natural processes as closely as possible, while still running a productive business,” she says.
In practice, calves are typically fitted with NoseRings for about five to 10 days before being marketed. Replacement heifers remain in the herd, with the rings left in place for roughly six weeks until lactation ends. The devices are then removed, cleaned and reused – a cost-effective solution that delivers long-term value.
For Judy, the benefits are clear. Reduced stress, improved weight retention, higher conception rates and easier management all contribute to a more sustainable and profitable operation.
“It pays for itself very quickly,” she says. “And once you see the results, it’s hard to imagine going back to the old way.”
For more information, contact Judy Vercueil on 082-459-9451 or judy@nosering.co.za
