Thabana Mokgohloa is a part-time smallholder and producer of maize and sheep on a farm near Nnoko village in Ga-Mothapo, Limpopo. His parents had always been subsistence farmers, and Mokgohloa attributes his love for farming to the experience he gained while watching over the family’s livestock when he was a young boy.
His father, Selepeng, could not farm full-time, as he worked in Johannesburg and was only able to spend some weekends and holidays on the farm. However, when he retired in 2000, he moved back home to Ga-Mothapo permanently to focus on his livestock.
Mokgohloa studied towards a BCom through Unisa, which he completed in 2004. He worked as an economic development practitioner in the local government sector, and is now an assistant manager for economic planning and development at the Polokwane Local Municipality.
In 2009, he took the decision to become more invested in the family’s farming business and began to introduce Dorper genetics to their mixed-breed sheep flock. After the death of his father in 2011, Mokgohloa hired a shepherd, who helped him continue growing the flock. When he had first joined the farm, the family had about 20 sheep, but he grew the flock to more than 200 head in less than five years. Then, in 2020, inspired by an article in Farmer’s Weekly, he switched to Meatmaster breeding.
WORKING WITH MEATMASTERS
“I decided to change to Meatmasters because the breed is hardy, the animals can graze and browse and therefore make maximum use of the veld, and the breed has been developed along economic principles,” says Mokgohloa.
Denne historien er fra June 11, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra June 11, 2021-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.
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ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
