Lucerne plus veld for quality sheep

Lucerne pastures boost fertility and production, said this leading commercial Merino farmer, who also took great care of his veld camps

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“It takes a while to ruin a good piece of veld, but it takes twice as long to rebuild it,” wams sheep farmer Hendrik Snyman. So, to avoid this setback, livestock farmers must develop effective veld management.

Animal husbandry begins in the veld, says Snyman of the farm Frishgewaagd, near Bethal in Mpumalanga. Veld management demands a thorough, practical knowledge of the veld on the farm, understanding the make-up of the veld, and the ability to recognise the more palatable grasses and any plants that could endanger animals.

It requires constant careful monitoring of the veld, specially camps that are being grazed, to ensure the balance of the veld is maintained and that the more desirable plants thrive.

NO EXCUSE FOR POOR MANAGEMENT 

“With the knowledge at our disposal today,” he says, “no farmer has any excuse for poor veld management, because there is so much information available, and so many qualified people willing to give all the help needed.” 

Snyman has long made use of lucerne pastures to feed his quality flock of commercial Merino sheep. But he takes great care of his veld camps, so he has a reserve of feed for as long as possible during the year.