Boer goat farming: a simple recipe for prosperity

Nestled in the heart of the Vredefort Dome, surrounded by the Dome Bergland mountain range, you will find Marius Smit and Heinrich Hamman, co-owners of the Aegagrus Boer Goat Stud,

- Nichelle Steyn.

Marius Smit and Heinrich Hamman, two Boer goat farmers and co-owners of the Aegagrus Boer Goat Stud, are particularly passionate about where they farm as they are situated in the unique Vredefort Dome, an area rich in birdlife and various wildlife species.

But it is not only Smit and Hamman who enjoy the nature. Their Boer goat stud also seems to love the rocky grazing area, as it fits perfectly into their grazing habits, with goats preferring small trees and shrubs as their basic diet.

"Grazing on the natural rocky veld is one of the reasons why goat farming is less intensive," says Smit.

It is also one of the reasons why goat farming can be exceptionally economic, as goats utilise certain plants that are less appealing to other stock breeds.

"We let the goats graze in groups in the veld, so that they can utilise it," says Smit.

GENETICS AS A STRATEGY

Having good genetics is one of the main goals of Smit and Hamman's farming strategy. That is why they decided to name the stud the Aegagrus Boer Goat Stud.

"Aegagrus means goat in Latin," says Smit. Their main focus is to breed functional, veld-adapted goats that adhere strictly to the industry standards set by the South African Boer Goat Breeders' Association (SABGBA) and SA Stud Book.

"We believe in building a strong genetic foundation by choosing the right animals from day one," he adds. They work closely with these organisations toward the betterment of Boer goat genetics in the country.

"These organisations help us to be constantly reminded of what the ideal Boer goat should be like, and they keep us on the right track," he explains.