Committing to Bonsmara
Farmer's Weekly|10 February 2023
Mthobeli Dintsi was a 2022 provincial winner in the National Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo Farmer of the Year competition, a category of the Agricultural Research Council's National Beef Performers Awards. Mike Burgess visited him recently on his farm in the Eastern Cape to better understand his journey to commercial beef production with Bonsmaras.
Mike Burgess
Committing to Bonsmara

"I go full force for Bonsmara. When you farm cattle, it's good to focus [on a specific breed]." So says Mthobeli Dintsi of his approach to beef production on his 646ha farm, Flatfield, near Cathcart in the Eastern Cape, which is home to about 100 Bonsmara-type breeding females.

Dintsi also has a state land reform farm near Indwe, where he runs about 100 crossbred cows put to Bonsmara bulls.

His focus now is to build a herd of top commercial Bonsmaras on Flatfield and then expand his beef operation on more land in the Cathcart district.

FROM COMMUNAL TO COMMERCIAL

Dintsi's interest in livestock farming began in the former Transkei region of Lady Frere where he was born and raised. From a young age, he was required to herd the family's cattle in the vast communal grazing areas, a job that held considerable responsibility, as his father, Nimrod, was a migrant worker in the Western Cape.

Dintsi recalls that back then, "there was no focus on a specific breed; we just bought cattle, and that's where it all started".

FAST FACTS

Mthobeli Dintsi ran cattle on a land reform farm before purchasing Flatfield in 2016.

His herd of commercial Bonsmara achieves an 80% calving rate on the veld.

He is grateful for the help provided by the state's veterinary services in his annual herd inoculation programme.

In the early 1980s, Dintsi became a migrant worker himself, first on the copper mines near Prieska in the Northern Cape, and thereafter in the gold mines near Klerksdorp in today's North West.

After several years in the mining industry, Dintsi returned to the Eastern Cape and enrolled for a course as a motor mechanic at a technical college in Ezibeleni near Queenstown in the late 1980s.

Esta historia es de la edición 10 February 2023 de Farmer's Weekly.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición 10 February 2023 de Farmer's Weekly.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE FARMER'S WEEKLYVer todo
The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa
Farmer's Weekly

The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa

Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country's beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.

time-read
5 minutos  |
March 07, 2025
Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake
Farmer's Weekly

Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake

This delicious mango fridge tart is so easy to make, perfect when you want a quick yet indulgent dessert (it only takes 25 minutes to whip up). The fruit’s gorgeous colour and fragrance are maximised.

time-read
1 min  |
March 07, 2025
Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25
Farmer's Weekly

Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25

In its latest estimate, the International Grains Council has adjusted global wheat production for the coming season due to poorer-than-expected harvests in the EU. However, global supplies remain strong, while global consumption is expected to increase to reach about 804 million tons. Janine Ryan reports.

time-read
2 minutos  |
March 07, 2025
From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story
Farmer's Weekly

From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story

Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, a relatively new wine estate, has established itself as one of the best producers of sparkling wine in South Africa. Owners Doug and Sue Lund spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production philosophy, rise to success, and possible expansion plans.

time-read
7 minutos  |
March 07, 2025
Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat
Farmer's Weekly

Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat

Wheat is a significant crop, and like other crops, is susceptible to a range of infections. Here, we provide information on the most important fungal diseases that affect wheat.

time-read
1 min  |
March 07, 2025
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
Farmer's Weekly

Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals

For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.

time-read
6 minutos  |
March 07, 2025
The origin of the Bonsmara
Farmer's Weekly

The origin of the Bonsmara

The Breed of the Month for March is the Bonsmara. In this first article, we take a look at the man behind this popular cattle breed, as well as how it was developed.

time-read
2 minutos  |
March 07, 2025
The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice
Farmer's Weekly

The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice

While some of its contemporaries have suffered from inner-city neglect, the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel has bounced back in elegance and style, writes Brian Berkman.

time-read
4 minutos  |
March 07, 2025
Age catches up with the Nissan Navara
Farmer's Weekly

Age catches up with the Nissan Navara

The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan's effort to win back market share. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.

time-read
2 minutos  |
March 07, 2025
Growing onion sets
Farmer's Weekly

Growing onion sets

Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.

time-read
2 minutos  |
March 07, 2025