FAST FACTS
Having access to only a small piece of land, Jonathan Carlson decided to invest in quality over quantity by starting a Boer goat stud.
On his 10ha smallholding, he manages to run a 50-cow Bonsmara herd and a 60-ewe Boer goat stud.
His advice to other new breeders is to invest in the best genetics they can afford.
If you are passionate about farming, no farm is too small to make a start on, says Jonathan Carlson. With a smaller property, you simply need to plan the layout so that you can maximize its potential. Carlson adds that his 10ha smallholding Langverwaght in the Hartbeespoort area of North West is perfectly suited to intensive farming with a Boer goat stud.
Cattle, however, were Carlson’s initial choice. Using money he had saved from making and selling neck clamps for cattle, he bought a herd of five Bonsmaras (one bull and five cows). He then went on to buy calves, background them and sell them to purchase more cattle. The herd now consists of 50 cows.
Due to the size of his land, however, Carlson realized that he could not expand his herd appreciably, so he decided to focus on Boer goats.
Even in this case, the size of his farm was a limiting factor, and it triggered his next decision: to pursue quality over quantity by starting a Boer goat stud. “One of the advantages of Boer goats is that most of the ewes produce twins, which means the flock grows quickly,” says Carlson.
He has one ram, which he uses for most of the breeding, and 60 ewes.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 20 August 2021-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 Farmer's Weekly 20 August 2021-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
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
