From law books to ploughing fields. In this episode of our Farmer Mentor podcast on Farmer’s Inside Track, Ratlale “Bush” Masiu shares his journey and strategies for farm management, diversification, and financial acumen.
Ratlale “Bush” Masiu operates a 700-hectare farm near Bloemfontein in the Free State, focusing on cattle, sheep, goats, maize, and sunflowers. He reflects on his farming journey, transitioning from his initial aspirations in law to becoming a committed agriculturalist.
During an enlightening conversation on Farmers Inside Track, Ratlale shares his effective farm management strategies, financial acumen, and budgeting techniques essential for running a successful farming enterprise. When Food For Mzansi last spoke to Masiu in 2020 he had about 200 cattle on his farm.
“We have expanded our cattle herd to nearly 300 head, a significant improvement for us. Additionally, we now cultivate 300 hectares of greens,” he says.
Currently, the cattle herd mainly comprises of the Bonsmara breed. “We downsised our sheep due to stock theft, reducing them from about 200 to 50. We sell to the community for cultural purposes.”
Diversifying and adapting to challenges
Despite being exposed to farming at a young age, he never planned to join the sector his parents had passionately toiled in. He wanted to be a lawyer, so he went to study political sciences at the University of the Free State.
In his final year, Masiu was kicked out of varsity because of student activism and he never obtained his LLB degree. He then joined a courier company where he worked for seven years.
When his parents, Oujan Joseph (better known as “OJ”) and Agnes, acquired land in September 2017, Masiu decided to join them. They had about 80 cattle grazing on a farm that was in a bad state.
“I am still working towards completing my law degree. I have not given up,” he assures Food For Mzansi.
According to Masiu, at first they only focused on livestock. Soya, sunflower, and maize were later additions to their farming portfolio.
“It’s crucial to diversify. In 2021, we faced a foot-and-mouth outbreak. Planting other crops proved beneficial; otherwise, it would have been challenging for us. You must strike a balance; putting all your resources in one area is not advisable,” he says.
Masiu stresses that managing a diversified farm is challenging but emphasises the significance of meticulous planning. “Planning ahead of the season is key; planning during the season can be costly. The same principle applies to your livestock feeding programme; consistency is vital.”
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Money matters and market strategies
In terms of farm budgets, Masiu highlights the importance of distinguishing between income and profit. “Understanding all your costs and seeking guidance from a financial advisor for budgeting is crucial.”
Masiu acknowledges that not having a financial advisor in the past had repercussions. “We managed our finances with limited knowledge, which led to issues with the tax authorities. Thankfully, we settled our dues but realised the importance of professional financial advice.”
In this podcast discussion, Masiu elaborates on his market strategies, ensuring product marketability, venturing into Bonsmara stud breeding, maintaining competitiveness, and more.
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