About OKABRA Brahman and Simmentaler
The OKABRA Brahman and Simmentaler Legacy
Rooted in Namibian Soil
The Schneider Family has bred cattle for over a century on Farm Okamutombe, Namibia. We focus on veld-adapted, fertile, and efficient genetics — uniting two powerful breeds with a commitment to sustainable, real-world performance.
Family Legacy
The Schneider family has been engaged in extensive cattle ranching since 1912 at Farm Okamutombe near Grootfontein, Namibia. What began with a practical focus on sustainable beef and later milk production has grown into a leading stud operation known for adapted, performance-driven Brahman and Simmentaler beef cattle.
Our journey with Simmentaler cattle began in the early 1940s, initially for their milk-producing ability, supplying cream to the local creamery between 1940 and 1965. Over 85 years of selection under natural veld conditions has developed a uniquely adapted herd — medium framed, fertile, and efficient — built for Southern Africa’s extensive grazing.
In 1987, Mecki and Brigitte Schneider purchased the first Brahman heifers from the late Reg Hunt, launching OKABRA’s Brahman legacy. While the Simmentaler cattle were integral to the farm’s early history, the Simmentaler stud registration occurred in 1998. In 2018 Reimo and Sonja joined the family enterprise to continue the legacy with their children Lisa and Paul.
Why Brahman and Simmentaler — Two Breeds, One Vision for Hybrid Vigour
At OKABRA we focus on two powerhouse breeds – Brahman and Simmentaler – because they complement each other perfectly in their outstanding hybrid vigour.
What is Hybrid Vigour?
The bottom line is more money in your pocket! Crossbreeding two genetically different, pure breeds like Brahman and Simmentaler maximises heterosis (hybrid vigour) – a natural phenomenon where crossbred calves dramatically outperform the average of their parents.
Why do we recommend crossbreeding to our commercial clients?
– Faster Growth – calves grow quicker and reach market weight sooner = more kilograms sold per cow per year
– Better Survival Rates – improved tick/disease resistance
– Longer Productive Life – cows stay in the herd for more calvings
Our Goal: Supplying Genetics for Your Success!
Whether you are sourcing stud sires or foundation heifers to build your stud, or a commercial farmer striving for more growth, stronger carcass traits, improved fertility in tough veld conditions – our Brahman and Simmentaler genetics are designed to make your business more profitable and sustainable. If you are not sure what your herd really needs: We don’t just supply cattle – we commit ourselves to guiding and supporting you in selecting the right animals for your herd. Because for us, the best feedback is when customers return. We invest in building long-term relationships – because your success is our success.
At OKABRA, we believe in more than just selling cattle; we are dedicated to shaping the future of breeding by offering genetically superior Brahman and Simmentaler animals that drive success for farmers.
Being one of the largest studs in Southern Africa enables us to exercise strict selection. This means we never have to settle for mediocrity. Only the best of the crop is offered or kept.
Our Breeding Strategy
At OKABRA, our breeding philosophy combines the best of both worlds: rigorous visual assessment and modern Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). We use data to complement traditional stockmanship, ensuring that every animal excels not only on paper but also in the veld. As one of the largest studs in Southern Africa, we have the advantage of exercising strict selection pressure on both bulls and heifers. This means we never have to settle for mediocrity — only the best of the crop is offered or kept. Each bull and female is backed by accurate performance data and careful selection for fertility, carcass traits, structural soundness, and adaptability.
Since we began breeding Brahmans in 1987, we have imported genetics from the USA, Australia, and SADC countries to strengthen and diversify our stud, always with the goal of enhancing production in Southern Africa’s challenging veld conditions. Today we have bi-annual artificial insemination programmes. Each one takes months of preparation, semen sourcing and planning. each cow is matched to her sire with intention: a genetic matching score out of 100 is calculated, combining genetic merit and structural compatibility to ensure the optimal pairing. This is what we call the “golden match.” A steady and thoughtful process. But that is the nature of breeding excellence. Consistency is key.
Our Performance Strategy
We stay ahead — or we learn — in every area we can identify. From regenerative farming to technology, breeding, and genetics, we strive to be visionaries in our field. In everything we do, we remain at the forefront of innovation. We pursue mastery and work with precision, even when no one is watching. This is our legacy and our promise to ourselves: to continually raise the standard for excellence in cattle breeding. We don’t chase trends — we set them. We are game changers in our industry.
By staying at the forefront of genetics and farming innovation, and by sharing our knowledge openly, we help farmers succeed and move the industry forward. Our cattle aren’t just bred for performance — they are bred for your success.
Our breeding and performance strategy
TARGET EBVs
The green fields depict what OKABRA strives for as breeding goals. These goals breed easy handling animals that, grow fast to reach the market as early as possible, as mature animals stay moderate in size for veld adaptability, carry enough fat for fertility and outstanding carcasse and perform efficiently in feed conversion
Brahman and Simmentaler Stud Auctions Namibia
Brahman National Sale
Online Auction available
WHEN
14 October 2025
WHERE
AGRA Auction Ring Windhoek
SIM Xtravaganza
Online Auction available
WHEN
21 October 2025
WHERE
AGRA Auction Ring Windhoek
OKABRA SIGNATURE SALE
Summer Breeding Season
Online Auction available
WHEN
11 November 2025
WHERE
AGRA Auction Ring Windhoek
NEWS ON OKABRA
Exciting news from OKABRA!
We are thrilled to announce our very first auction series, the OKABRA Signature Sale. This event will showcase the exceptional genetic legacy of our breeding program, highlighting our commitment to quality and excellence. Be part of this landmark event and witness the best of what OKABRA has to offer.
OKABRA is proud supporter of Savanna Beef Namibia.
October 2024
For the third time OKABRA brings home the BREEDPLAN CHAMPION Trophy. OKABRA ROCKET 22-572OKB is the number one in the Breedplan game.
October 2023
AGAIN after 2022 OKABRA wins the BREEDPLAN CHAMPION Trophy placing first and second in the competiton. OKABRA Rocket 22-572OKB.
2023 Windhoek Show - Breedplan Champion 1st and 2nd place
Windhoek Show 2022 - Breedplan Champions 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th
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