Breeding success: SerDev uplifts farmers at NC farmers' day

SerDev is making it their mission to help farmers cross the threshold from traditional to commercial farming by giving them the lowdown on livestock genetics improvement and ensuring they play by the biosecurity rulebook.

Through its livestock development project, SerDev, a division of the Sernick Group, has been supporting farmers at various growth stages since 2023.

During a recent farmers’ day hosted in partnership with The Impact Catalyst in the Northern Cape at Andre de Kock en Seun Veilings Kraal in Kuruman, about 400 attendees benefitted from a comprehensive programme designed to educate and empower local farmers. Jerome Topley, managing director at SerDev, highlighted the anticipated impact of their livestock development project on local farmers. He envisions a three-fold impact.

“Our livestock improvement project aims to ensure food safety by improving genetics and complying with all biosecurity measures.

“[Also to] ensure food security by establishing new livestock farmers that can add to our food basket [as well as] ensure that newly transitioned farming units are economically viable, making meaningful contributions to their own livelihoods and ultimately, to the fiscus,” Topley told Food For Mzansi.

Kagisho Rattel, director of Noord Kaap auctions in Northern Cape, North West and Free state. Photo: Supplied/Serdev

Building a brighter future

Many things can make it hard for a new farmer to reliably provide food for their family, community, and even the whole continent. At SerDev, they work to give farmers practical, hands-on guidance to help them improve their farming methods and become more successful and profitable. They believe training programmes for farmers are crucial for ensuring there is enough food in South Africa.

The farmers’ day in Kuruman kicked off with Merck Sharp & Dohme’s (MSD) session on building blocks for a healthy herd, and Seodin State Vets’ discussion on disease management, control, and the local vaccination programme. Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) provided valuable insights on fundamental cattle breeding and management. At the same time, the Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa explained why the Dorper sheep breed is ideal for the Northern Cape.

The Noord-Kaap Dorper Klub offered live demonstrations on Dorper sheep breeding, and Karsten Boerbok Stoet provided guidelines on livestock improvement, followed by the Sernick Group’s presentation. Bonsmara SA also contributed with a live demonstration, and project farmer Keobakile Sebitloane shared their experiences.

Petro Naudé, new business director at SerDev, emphasised the event’s significance. “Putting faces to people as well as learning new things will spread the message throughout the region, and we hope to receive many more applications from farmers who would like to become beneficiaries of the programme.”