From Humble Herdsman To Lauded Breeder

A mon Phahlane, this year’s recipient of the Agricultural Research Council National Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year award, was 13 when he began herding cattle.

- Andries Gouws

For nearly 60 years, his motto has been to work hard and seize the opportunities that others regard as problems.

While visiting him on the farm Melkhoutsfontein near Bela-Bela, 72-year-old Amon told me of his remarkable life journey. While he thought, at times, that he might not have worked hard enough, this award serves as confirmation that he has done very well.

However, Amon is not ready to retire just yet. Although his one eye troubles him, he believes that as long as he can see, he will continue to farm and grow his enterprise in any way possible. Richard, the son of Amon’s late brother, Norman, who inherited his father’s share in the farming enterprise, together with Amon’s son, Michael, help to keep things running smoothly on the farm.

Farming the Nguni

Amon is aware of the perception that black cattle farmers do not like to sell their animals, but to rather retain them as a visible sign of wealth. However, he viewed the farm as a business from the outset and manages it with exceptional expertise and insight.

Initially, Amon and his brother farmed Bonsmara cattle and made performance measurement an integral part of the farming enterprise from the outset. These days, however, he farms Nguni cattle – the result of a government scheme that helps emerging beef cattle farmers. The herd consists of approximately 97 animals, but Amon is aiming to expand it to 150 breeding cows that must calve each year.

While the Bonsmara performed well and produced heavier weaner calves, Amon says he is particularly impressed by the Nguni’s adaptability and fertility. “They don’t calve, they breed!” he says laughingly.

The award he received recognises emerging beef cattle farmers who are members of the Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) scheme and who have excelled in, among other things, recordkeeping and management. Finalists from every province competed for this title.