Pigs on pasture

Farming pigs on pasture is not commonly practised in South Africa, yet provides multiple benefits to farmers and the environment. 

- Simon Goble

Nan Smith spoke to Swellendam farmer Simon Goble about how regenerative pig farming adds profit and ethics to pork production.

In a secluded valley at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain’s Clock Tower subrange, 12km from Swellendam in the Western Cape, farmer Simon Goble is becoming part of the regenerative movement farming commercial Duroc pigs in this mainly winter-rainfall area.

Like many young farmers, Goble entered the agricultural arena armed with academic credentials in the form of a BAgric degree from Elsenburg. The academic environment teaches aspiring farmers much that is valuable, but leaves them with little practical experience. After graduating, Goble spent a year working for a mixed grain, cattle and sheep operation, which went some way towards filling the experience gap and gave him the confidence to apply to work in the US, where he spent three seasons.

“I would encourage every young aspiring farmer to try and work in the US for a while. Salaries for farm personnel are up to three times higher than they are in South Africa, and food and accommodation are often thrown in. I was able to pay off my student loan and save enough to pay cash for a good bakkie when I got back,” says Goble.

In the very different environment and work culture of the US, he gained valuable experience, particularly in the mechanical field.

CHOOSING PIGS