In 2020, Bakang Mohotlheng from the Kaalpan region in North West embarked on an agricultural venture. Driven by his fervour for farming and the agricultural accomplishments of his grandfather, Elias Moeketsi, Mohotlheng established the Baki Bee farm.
Mohotlheng attended Taung Agricultural College and graduated with a diploma in agriculture in irrigation in 2021. He eventually started his own business in 2020 while doing practical training at Bakang farm in Mahikeng and was mentored by Motlapele Morule.
He acquired expertise in vegetable production, irrigation scheduling, and the value of farm management under the supervision and guidance of Morule.
“I understand why we are sent to work with actual farmers to gain practical knowledge; there, you get to see what you were told,” he says.
Putting time and skills to good use
Mohotlheng has successfully developed his beekeeping business and also raises broiler chickens and manages a piggery. He is determined to do everything he can with the means and time available to him.
He says an important lesson he has learned about starting a business, is that diversifying the commodities on your farm is crucial for generating a steady cash flow and regular income.
As a result of the vandalism and theft that occurred on his farm in February this year, he realised the importance of security measures and identification for farmers in order to recover stolen goods.
“I have also implemented some techniques in pollination. Instead of using fertilisers, I have utilised bees for sunflower pollination. This approach has resulted in increased yield, and the bees are able to produce honey at a faster rate,” he explains.
Ensuring animals are comfortable
Nothing surpasses a proper framework when farming with live animals, says Mohotlheng. Per cycle, he has roughly 17 pigs and 200 birds.
He shares some valuable insights about farming with these animals.
When there is limited room for movement, uneven-sized chickens are raised, making them more difficult to market, says Mohotlheng. He recommends that a chicken coop be built high enough so that workers may walk upright while inside.
“Swine housing is designed to protect pigs and give them the most ideal environment for growth and production. In the system, temperature, ventilation, feed delivery, water delivery, and sanitation are controlled.”
Avoid shortcuts when feeding pigs
Another piece of advice is to refrain from feeding pigs in a dirty environment. Furthermore, he says, it is advisable to avoid feeding them leftovers from shops, even if the feed is expensive. Pigs can be affected by certain foods, especially those found in leftovers, he cautions. He recommends providing them with their own feed to ensure they remain healthy and receive proper nutrition.
“After the lactation period, we begin feeding the piglets. During this time, we carefully consider the appropriate portion size for their feed.
“Normally pigs must have 2.5kg per day but with the increase in the price of feed we make one bag of grower and two bags of crushed mealies, which takes three weeks to four weeks.”
He explains that he regularly weighs his pigs every month, paying close attention to their growth and size from birth. This careful monitoring allows him to ensure that the pigs produce high-quality meat with healthy fat and well-developed muscles.
If pigs are not given enough food, it can negatively impact their growth and make them more susceptible to disease, Mohotlheng shares. On the other hand, he adds, overfeeding pigs can result in excessive fat content in their meat.
“One of the difficulties we face with birds is dealing with load shedding, especially at night when we cannot control the temperature of the shelter.”
Knowing your market
Mohotlheng operates in the informal market by utilising social media, specifically targeting government employees and aligning with their payment schedules.
“I supply a local shisanyama called Buddies in Itsoseng, and supply Benade abattoir in Bhurimansdrift with chickens.”
This farmer aspires to train beekeepers who are interested in starting their own beekeeping ventures, a practice he has already begun in a casual fashion.
“I have thought about renting out my beehives for pollination to other farmers, as well as selling my honey in retail stores,” as he shares his future plans.
Watch this space; Mohotlheng might be young but his ideas and work ethic will soon see him reach all his goals.
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