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.
Denne historien er fra Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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.
