Johan and Danita de Swardt, who became farmers after retiring from corporate careers, ensure profitably by supplying value-added beef directly to their clients. Chris Nel visited them on their farm, Damplaas, near Paul Roux in the eastern Free State.
Both former professionals from Johannesburg, Johan and Danita de Swardt started farming part time in November 2011. Leasing grazing on a per-head basis, they established their Nguni herd of 85 animals, bought at Nguni stud sales in Bela-Bela, Mooi River and Springbokvlakte, on 2 000ha of the farm Langkloof near Vaalwater in the Waterberg.
But in August 2012, tragedy struck. The Waterberg is prime habitat for Dichapetalum cymosum (gifblaar), one of the first plants to put out fresh growth in spring. True to its name, a high level of potassium fluoroacetate in the young sprouts makes it highly toxic.The losses were devastating. Of 85 cows and 72 calves, 12 in-calf cows and 19 calves died or had to be put down. Between 10 and 12 female animals aborted. Following this experience, a long search for more suitable land began, and in November 2013, the De Swardts relocated their remaining 73 cows and 53 calves to the farm Damplaas, 6km from Paul Roux in the Bethlehem district of the eastern Free State.
Johan took early retirement in the same month, took transfer of the farm in December 2013; Danita retired and joined him in May 2015.
FARMING AFTER RETIREMENT
“We chose how we wanted to spend our retirement from corporate life,” says Johan.
“We jokingly refer to our farm as our retirement village with only one unit,” Danita says. “We made a conscious lifestyle change and created a new type of business that keeps us going and challenged. We invested a portion of our retirement funds in the cattle, as our return on investment had to at least exceed the prime market rate.
“We are both involved and committed to making it a success, based on our love for Ngunis. Each one is unique in appearance and quite easy to get to know as individuals.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
