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.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 19 August 2022 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 19 August 2022 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA
It is of vital importance that that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) be upheld following the recent US presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner.
Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness
A new study undertaken near George, Western Cape, explored pollination in plum varieties, showing key differences in pollen quality. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the research findings.
Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions
In a paper published in early November, scientists reveal that pasturelands, in particular those that were once forests, hold great potential for mitigating the effects of climate change.
Harnessing wind for cleaner energy
At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.
The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine
Brian Berkman has had the exceedingly good fortune of spending many nights at the Cape Grace Hotel over the years. He revisits it to find it as impressive as ever.
Cutting-edge tech aiding the agri sector
Toyota Material Handling's innovations conserve resources and reduce the environmental footprint of farming operations.
Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production
Instead of buying expensive growing mediums for seedlings, farmers can make their own mixtures from local resources, such as manure, which are economical and produce excellent results
Optimising cherry production and quality
Growing cherries in a suboptimal climate requires manipulating trees and temperatures. But with a considerable market advantage, it is worth the effort. Lindi Botha visited ZZ2's Toscana farm, which for four weeks of the year takes prime position in the cherry market.
Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success
JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.
The business of pig farming: practical steps for success
Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.
