Cocky Mokoka runs a mixed farming operation, which includes a livestock and cropping component, on the 740ha farm Seeikoeifontein near Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. His main focus is on crops, however, with roughly 400ha dedicated to crop production. He implements a rotational cropping programme of maize, soya bean and sunflower.
The farm is situated in South Africa’s maize triangle, an area known for producing some of the highest maize yields in the country. While the farm is thus ideal for crop production, Mokoka decided to diversify his operation by including livestock because of the escalating costs associated with crop production.
Mokoka has been renting Seekoeifontein on a 30-year lease agreement from government since 2007.
LIVESTOCK
He runs a mixed herd of about 100 animals, but says he aims to grow his herd to about 300 animals. He also wants to include more Nguni genetics in his breeding programme, as Ngunis can be sold for their meat and hides.
Mokoka is a participant in a farmer development scheme run by the Sernick Group in Kroonstad in the Free State. This programme gives him access to additional cattle, which he can use to increase his herd. He also supplies cattle directly to a Sernick feedlot.
Mokoka runs his own small feedlot, where he finishes off bull calves before selling them to an abattoir near him. He also supplies grass-fed cattle to a company that supplies a large retailer. Mokoka plants lucerne and sorghum as grazing for his livestock.
CROP MANAGEMENT
Mokoka first started researching the principles of conservation agriculture more than 10 years ago, when he was considering switching from conventional crop production to a more sustainable production model that would help improve the quality of his soil.
This story is from the November 13, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the November 13, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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