Cobus Meyer, who farms on 1 000ha near Leeudoringstad in North West, says the frequent droughts in that part of the world made expanding the family farming business a matter of urgency.
Because theirs is a relatively small farm for the area, horizontal expansion was not an option; they had to expand vertically to add value.
After conducting detailed research, Meyer and his father, Cobus Sr, decided on Kalahari Red goats, as they were impressed with the breed’s hardiness, adaptability, fertility and excellent meat production. In 2009, they established the Greenstone Kalahari Red Goat stud.
The climate in North West is one of extremes. The temperature drops to below 0°C in winter and increases to the low 40s in summer. And while the farm receives an average annual rainfall of 550mm, the region is often subject to dry spells. Under these taxing conditions, Meyer needed a hardy goat breed.
Kalahari Reds met all his requirements, as they are ideal for extensive farming conditions, and are a truly economical breed. In addition, they are known for accelerated growth, and are ideal for commercial meat production.
“The bottom line is that there’s money to be made from Kalahari Reds.”
Demand for these goats far exceeds supply, and this means top prices for both stud and commercial breeders, he says.
An estate agent in Pretoria, Meyer has been running the Kalahari Red Stud since its inception. This year, he decided to return to the farm, so it was important to find a profitable business that could contribute to the income of his household as well as that of his parents.
The farm’s beef production concern had come to a standstill because of the drought, and the goats now constitute the primary source of income.
INTENSIVE BREEDING
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 06, 2019 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 06, 2019 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
R17m donation of tractors, bulls and infrastructure
Small-scale farmers in KwaZulu-Natal have been given an opportunity to grow into sustainable commercial businesses through a holistic integrated programme that will provide mechanisation, infrastructure and sector expertise.
Top dairy products revealed
Lactalis South Africa has won the South African Dairy Product of the Year Award for six of the past eight years. This year it won with a 10-month-old Gouda made especially for Woolworths.
Poor waste management highlighted on Earth Day
Most of South Africa’s waste ends up in dumps, if not strewn across open spaces or littering streams and oceans.
Kenya hosts soil health summit
The health of African soil was discussed at length by gathering of experts, writes Jeff Kapembwa.
Report shows the impact that heat has on agricultural workers
The UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO) recently released a report showing the impact of climate change on the health of workers.
Factors to bear in mind when dipping livestock
It is important to consider the intervals at which you dip livestock in relation to the specific season in which ticks become more or less, writes Shane Brody.
Good outlook for pome fruit
Varieties of fruit could be the key in growing the pome fruit sector, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Building a sustainable agriculture sector in the Western Cape
Technology, research, financial mentorship and more will be required, writes Marinda Louw Coetzee.
PwC research shows food crisis impact
A new report details how the looming food crisis will affect Africa, writes Jyothi Laldas.
Braaied meat and soft-boiled egg Thai salad
This salad with maize, peanuts and eggs will turn leftover braai meat into a completely different meal. Recipe and photo: South African Poultry Association.
