FAST FACTS
Biltong is a truly Southern African product whose origins go back centuries. A healthy and sustaining source of protein, it is high in iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
Madie van Zyl uses only the best cuts for making biltong. According to her, the best beef biltong is medium-dry, edged with a thin section of yellow fat, and not overly spiced.
Van Zyl regards quality and consistency as all-important, and she therefore remains involved in the entire production process, even mixing the spices herself.
Starting a business, especially later in life, often springs from having had a long-standing interest in a subject or an activity. Madie van Zyl, who launched Toverveld Biltong in 2008, is no exception.
"I grew up on a farm and learnt from my mother Magda Kruger and grandmother Maria Steenkamp how to dress and process cattle, game and sheep carcasses. I relish this kind of work. During my high school years, I used to work in a butcher shop during school holidays to earn pocket money, and I enjoyed it very much," she recalls.
First of all, however, came studies and marriage. Van Zyl qualified as a physiotherapist and in 1997 married Danie, a Northern Cape cattle and sheep farmer.
Unfortunately, the couple's farm, De Dam, is 50km from the nearest town of Colesberg, so Van Zyl was unable to practise physiotherapy after her marriage.
The couple went on to have a family, and years later, when three of her four children were at boarding school, Van Zyl found herself with more time on her hands and became determined to earn an income. Given her interest and background in meat processing, biltong production seemed an obvious choice.
With encouragement from her family and financial support in the form of a loan from her parents, Van Zyl launched her business, beginning in a garage on the farm and using the bare minimum of equipment.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
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
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.