Zachariah Matli is a born cattleman. Before becoming a farmer in 1994, he had already gained valuable experience as a livestock producer in Kroonstad. From a young age, he raised calves at his family’s home, and slowly increased his own cattle herd.
As an adult, he started a taxi business. Then, in 1994, he bought an 8ha smallholding, where he continued cattle farming. By the time he moved to the 463ha land reform farm Groenpan in 2008, he already owned a herd of 15 cattle.
Groenpan is in the Free State’s Fezile Dabi District Municipality. The official carrying capacity is 4ha/MLU. About 100ha are arable; the rest, consisting mainly of red grass (Themeda triandra), is suitable for grazing.
The farm is divided into eight camps, and water is supplied from seven boreholes. Temperatures vary from below freezing in winter to the high 30s in summer.
Matli says he has not really been affected by the ongoing drought in the Free State due to the limited size of his herd. But he has had his fair share of other challenges.
POWER PROBLEMS
Electricity was initially one of his biggest expenses. Yet without power, it was impossible to pump water for his livestock.
Carl Visagie, the farm’s previous owner, came to his aid by offering to pay Matli’s monthly electricity account until he got on his feet.
“Electricity is an extremely expensive input, costing around R6 000/month. If it hadn’t been for Carl, I don’t know how the business would have survived,” says Matli. When he took over the payments, he had to sell at least one cow every month in order to meet the bill. However, the Sernick Group, a private diversified agribusiness, in co-operation with the government’s Jobs Fund, gave him a monthly allowance to help cover his electricity costs.
This story is from the November 29, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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 November 29, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
