Shongololo Boer Goat Stud: Only The Best Will Do

South African Boer goats have proven popular worldwide for their ability to improve indigenous goat breeds. In addition, Covid-19 restrictions necessitated the establishment of electronic auctions, making it easier for foreigners to acquire outstanding genetic material exported by agents via established channels.

- Andries Gouws

Meticulous management systems enable the Boer goats of the Shongololo Stud near Loskop Dam in Groblersdal, to overcome a restrictive environment and produce according to their genetic potential. Only genetically superior breeding animals are used and those unable to perform in this environment are culled.

From modest beginnings

Fouchè Blignaut bought the farm in 1986 and started out with game while running a hardware business in Groblersdal. In 2013 he became a full-time farmer and was joined by Francois Bouwer, the farm’s flock manager, in 2016. Today they run a herd comprising 700 stud ewes.

The stud started out with only 50 ewes and two rams purchased from well-known breeders. This modest start was aimed at seeing how well Boer goats fared in this area, which is not traditionally known for its small-stock breeding.

The goats adapted quickly, and easily utilized the mountainous grazing with its many edible shrubs. The animals were also manageable and hardy. From the outset, the goat farming enterprise was developed as a precision farming enterprise that quickly grew to 400 ewes.

Selecting for an excellent flock

At the end of 2018, Fouchè and Francois discussed the future of the Boer goat flock as a sustainable and profitable business. They decided that, as with Fouchè’s game enterprise, outstanding genetic material was the only way to accomplish this.