Advice for aspiring farmers

Louis Steyl, CEO of Bonsmara SA, offers some advice to prospective farmers about how to go about setting up a cattle farm for future success, and stresses the importance of establishing a solid foundation.

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Bonsmara SA consistently receives enquiries from emerging farmers who want to start cattle farming operations, asking about the best way to go about this.

There is a misconception among some farmers that anyone can become an instant stud farmer, or that a person can become a successful farmer by reducing costs and cutting corners.

Unfortunately, these approaches to farming will only lead to heartache and future financial losses. The adage 'you must learn to crawl before you can walk, and learn to walk before you can run' is very true when it comes to farming.

Aspiring farmers must remember that the foundation they set up when starting out is crucial for long-term success. If you start with an unstable foundation, sooner or later your investment in cattle is going to come crashing to the ground, and could ultimately ruin you financially.

BUYING YOUNG CALVES

One of the most common questions Bonsmara SA is asked is about acquiring young calves. Some farmers are under the misapprehension that buying calves between the ages of one and three months is cheaper than buying older calves or cattle. This could not be further from the truth.

The average recommended weaning age for beef cattle is around seven months. The reason for this is that it provides the cow with enough time to ensure that the calf receives the most important nutrients during its development stages. Calves that are weaned earlier than seven months often have not received the essential care that only their mothers can provide, and these calves often never reach their full genetic potential. So, while in the short term it may be cheaper to buy a young calf, over the long term, your return on investment will be significantly reduced.