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
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
