Having qualifications in industrial engineering has proved to be a distinct advantage to CP Kriek and his wife Gerda, owners of Taaibosch Piggery in Fochville, Gauteng. Given the key role of technology in agriculture today, theirs are amongst the skills that can take a farming operation to new heights.
While the Krieks both come from farming backgrounds, they approached Taaibosch Piggery as a new venture, and this has certainly been effective; they’ve been able to look at the business with fresh eyes, rather than simply accepting the way things have always been done.
When the Krieks purchased the farm in 2012, production proved a challenge, so it became vital to manage input costs and improve traceability.
They also set about improving the genetics of their animals by introducing the genes of top-performing stud pigs from around the world. This enabled them to quickly increase their herd’s productivity. Today, the farm markets a minimum of 1 000 baconers each week from its 2 300-sow breeding and nursery unit, weaning units, and growing and finishing unit. It also operates its own genetics unit of 300 purebred sows.
Kriek is convinced that none of this would have been possible without the use of state-of-the-art technology, which in this case is accessible to all his workers.
“To run an operation of this size successfully requires integrated systems, and Cloudfarms plays a significant role in that regard,” he explains.
FAST FACTS
CP Kriek uses the latest digital technology to improve production at his piggery.
He believes that tech solutions should be accessible to smallscale farmers.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023 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 21 April 2023 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
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
