FAST FACTS
Peter and Francy Schoeman farm on Langbaken, 37km outside of Williston in the Karoo.
They started Langbaken Karoo Cheese in 2010, and it has since become a vital part of their business, helping them survive the drought that has afflicted their area since 2015.
The cheese business has opened up further diversification possibilities, such as tourism and craft beer.
Peter Schoeman’s family, the Van Schalkwyks on his mother’s side, has been farming sheep in the Williston area of the Northern Cape since the 1890s. Peter and Francy, however, share an interest in dairy. “We met in Greyton in the Western Cape, where Peter was working on a dairy farm and I was dabbling in cheesemaking on the nearby farm where I worked,” Francy recalls.
They relocated to the Schoeman family farm near Williston in 2010, and started Langbaken Karoo Cheese soon thereafter.
“Langbaken was an extensive sheep farm, but the [cows’] cheese proved popular and there was strong demand for it, so we made it a serious subdivision of our farming business,” she says.
When Farmer’s Weekly first visited Francy and Peter in 2012, the couple had only just started making cheese, and little did they know at the time that this small business would become their saving grace during a six-year drought.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin November 12, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin November 12, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA
It is of vital importance that that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) be upheld following the recent US presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner.
Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness
A new study undertaken near George, Western Cape, explored pollination in plum varieties, showing key differences in pollen quality. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the research findings.
Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions
In a paper published in early November, scientists reveal that pasturelands, in particular those that were once forests, hold great potential for mitigating the effects of climate change.
Harnessing wind for cleaner energy
At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.
The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine
Brian Berkman has had the exceedingly good fortune of spending many nights at the Cape Grace Hotel over the years. He revisits it to find it as impressive as ever.
Cutting-edge tech aiding the agri sector
Toyota Material Handling's innovations conserve resources and reduce the environmental footprint of farming operations.
Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production
Instead of buying expensive growing mediums for seedlings, farmers can make their own mixtures from local resources, such as manure, which are economical and produce excellent results
Optimising cherry production and quality
Growing cherries in a suboptimal climate requires manipulating trees and temperatures. But with a considerable market advantage, it is worth the effort. Lindi Botha visited ZZ2's Toscana farm, which for four weeks of the year takes prime position in the cherry market.
Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success
JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.
The business of pig farming: practical steps for success
Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.
