Beating challenges with good veld management

Father-and-son team Robert and Sanele Khumalo constantly strive to maximise carcass weight in their commercial beef production enterprise. But with heavy recent rains and ever more unpredictable weather patterns, this requires careful and ongoing management of grazing and herd health. 

- Lindi Botha

FAST FACTS

Veld management forms a crucial part of Robert and Sanele Khumalo's approach to beef production.

After some experimentation, Robert settled on a herd of BeefmasterBrangus crosses to maximise the amount of beef per carcass and ensure rapid weight gain.

The Khumalos are keen to expand their enterprise, but the cost of suitable land has become prohibitive.

Second- and third-generation beef producers Robert and Sanele Khumalo farm on Elandsfontein, close to Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal. Their farm covers 256ha, with another 300ha leased to accommodate their herd of 600 Beefmaster X Brangus cattle.

The Khumalos are hands-on livestock farmers, and manage the feeding, breeding and herd health of their animals with precision. This has seen them build up and maintain a sustainable operation despite recent challenges, chief of which are too much rain and too little land.

Elandsfontein receives ample rain, providing decent grazing for most of the year. Although this rain is obviously welcome, the Khumalos need to pay close attention to the nutrition their cattle receive to ensure optimal performance.

"Rain influences the nutritional value of the grass, and this year, where more than 2 000mm have fallen so far, the nutritional density of the grass is less. The cattle therefore require an energy lick to keep them in top shape," says Robert.

The farm is divided into camps, with stocking density varying according to pasture quality. In general, though, the Khumalos follow a rate of 1 MLU/ha, increasing the density when rainfall has been particularly good and decreasing it to about 1 MLU/1,5ha in relatively dry conditions.

How long the cattle are kept in each camp before being moved is dependent on the relative height and condition of the grass. Sanele spends much time in the veld assessing its condition.