Cobus Meyer, who farms on 1 000ha near Leeudoringstad in North West, says the frequent droughts in that part of the world made expanding the family farming business a matter of urgency.
Because theirs is a relatively small farm for the area, horizontal expansion was not an option; they had to expand vertically to add value.
After conducting detailed research, Meyer and his father, Cobus Sr, decided on Kalahari Red goats, as they were impressed with the breed’s hardiness, adaptability, fertility and excellent meat production. In 2009, they established the Greenstone Kalahari Red Goat stud.
The climate in North West is one of extremes. The temperature drops to below 0°C in winter and increases to the low 40s in summer. And while the farm receives an average annual rainfall of 550mm, the region is often subject to dry spells. Under these taxing conditions, Meyer needed a hardy goat breed.
Kalahari Reds met all his requirements, as they are ideal for extensive farming conditions, and are a truly economical breed. In addition, they are known for accelerated growth, and are ideal for commercial meat production.
“The bottom line is that there’s money to be made from Kalahari Reds.”
Demand for these goats far exceeds supply, and this means top prices for both stud and commercial breeders, he says.
An estate agent in Pretoria, Meyer has been running the Kalahari Red Stud since its inception. This year, he decided to return to the farm, so it was important to find a profitable business that could contribute to the income of his household as well as that of his parents.
The farm’s beef production concern had come to a standstill because of the drought, and the goats now constitute the primary source of income.
INTENSIVE BREEDING
This story is from the December 06, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 06, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
South African Bakkie of the Year winners
The winners of this popular competition were announced at Nampo Cape, held in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, in mid-September.
Think of your farm as a trial plot in part
Always keep an eye out for different situations on your farm and analyse them so that you can fine-tune your methods and raise your yields. Learn from experience and don't repeat your mistakes
Biological crop protection: it's tricky but possible
Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm's uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.
The critical role of proper nutrition in pig and poultry production
Proper nutrition is vital for the health and productivity of pigs and poultry. Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and JD Mostert spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about exploring essential nutrients, common feeding mistakes, and best practices for feed safety to optimise livestock growth and reproductive health.
How and when to dip, deworm and vaccinate your cattle
Livestock health management has evolved over the decades to include disease prevention and growing farm revenue. The most effective health management strategies are those that include dipping, deworming, and vaccinating animals. Prof Cheryl McCrindle takes a closer look at these practices.
Aquaculture on the rise
This report focuses on the production and trade of aquaculture and farmed fish over the next decade, and projects where the industry is likely to end up in 2032.
Food trends increase scope for valueadding opportunities
From veganism to upcycling, new food trends present avenues for value-adding and exploring new markets. After a recent visit to Switzerland, Lindi Botha reports on two companies making headway in that country.
Injecting livestock: best practices and vital considerations
Improper injection techniques can lead to animals suffering and the reduced efficacy of medications. Dangerous organisms and parasites can also develop resistance
Plant breeders' rights herald a new world of improved varieties
New technology to create improved varieties is being developed at warp speed. Keep up with it, but take care not to run foul of the laws that protect it
One person, hundreds of animals die in Memel fires
An elderly woman of 80 was killed in the veld fires that destroyed about 50,000 ha in the Memel and Vrede districts of the Free State in the last week of September.