"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.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
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.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
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.