Cobus Meyer, who farms on 1 000ha near Leeudoringstad in North West, says the frequent droughts in that part of the world made expanding the family farming business a matter of urgency.
Because theirs is a relatively small farm for the area, horizontal expansion was not an option; they had to expand vertically to add value.
After conducting detailed research, Meyer and his father, Cobus Sr, decided on Kalahari Red goats, as they were impressed with the breed’s hardiness, adaptability, fertility and excellent meat production. In 2009, they established the Greenstone Kalahari Red Goat stud.
The climate in North West is one of extremes. The temperature drops to below 0°C in winter and increases to the low 40s in summer. And while the farm receives an average annual rainfall of 550mm, the region is often subject to dry spells. Under these taxing conditions, Meyer needed a hardy goat breed.
Kalahari Reds met all his requirements, as they are ideal for extensive farming conditions, and are a truly economical breed. In addition, they are known for accelerated growth, and are ideal for commercial meat production.
“The bottom line is that there’s money to be made from Kalahari Reds.”
Demand for these goats far exceeds supply, and this means top prices for both stud and commercial breeders, he says.
An estate agent in Pretoria, Meyer has been running the Kalahari Red Stud since its inception. This year, he decided to return to the farm, so it was important to find a profitable business that could contribute to the income of his household as well as that of his parents.
The farm’s beef production concern had come to a standstill because of the drought, and the goats now constitute the primary source of income.
INTENSIVE BREEDING
Denne historien er fra December 06, 2019-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 December 06, 2019-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.
