“I believe I will be one of the biggest farmers in South Africa,” said Rirandu, inspired by Food For Mzansi’s annual Limpopo farmers’ days held in the village of Ha-Sinthumule, 20 kilometres from Louis Trichardt.
He was among more than 80 farmers who travelled to the farm of Emmanuel Mudau, owner of Mathuba Genetics. A well-respected farming mentor, Mudau breeds Savanna goats, Bosvelder sheep, and Indigenous Veld Goats, a Namibian breed.
Every year, Food For Mzansi hosts its provincial farmers’ days in partnership with different farmers who inspires the nation, remarked the publication’s co-founder and editor-in-chief Ivor Price. During the event, practical information and resources were provided to farmers, many of whom were at the beginning stages of their production journeys.
“I am so excited to attend this event and learn more about farming,” said Rirandu, who travelled an hour from Ha-Mashau, a village nestled in the Vhembe district.
Expert insights on animal health and regulations
The programme commenced with Christopher Digwamaje, senior technical information officer at the department of agriculture, who presented on animal diseases and regulations. This talk was crucial for providing farmers with the knowledge needed to protect their livestock and comply with agricultural standards, ultimately enhancing their productivity and sustainability.
“When you farm, you farm for business. You must know about the diseases,” Digwamaje reminded attendees.
He also shared more on the latest animal disease regulations, saying, “Act 35 of 1984 protects you. You cannot make money out of animals that are sick.”
Digwamaje further informed farmers about vaccination programmes for livestock and the importance of adhering to them. Many attendees, farming in foot-and-mouth disease red-zone areas, recognised the urgency of adhering to these vaccination protocols.
Essential guidelines on food safety and quality assurance
Edith Ramocaedi, also a senior technical information officer at the department of agriculture, then presented on the expectations and responsibilities of producers regarding food safety and quality assurance.
She encouraged farmers to familiarise themselves with meat regulation laws, particularly Act 55 of 30 January 2015.
“When you don’t comply as a farmer, you risk the lives of the consumers of your products. These laws are in place to protect both the consumers and you as a farmer,” she shared.
In addition, Ramocaedi discussed the expectations for abattoirs, noting that all abattoirs must be approved by the Directorate of Veterinary Public Health under the Meat Safety Act. This ensures that the safety of agricultural produce is regulated before it is sold to the public.
Furthermore, she briefed farmers on meat classification standards, marketing and branding.
Insights from host farmer Mudau
Food For Mzansi’s Limpopo farmers’ day was also a great opportunity for attending producers to learn from Mudau, the host farmer. The former furniture salesman generously shared some of his marketing strategies, as well as the importance of collaborating with different agricultural institutions and gaining practical skills.
“Our main focus is practical experience. I never went to school for agriculture but experience taught me everything,” shared Mudau.
He further discussed the importance of identifying market needs. “We market our animals effectively, offering starter packages for those who want to begin livestock farming. If someone is interested, they come to us.”
Mudau also touched on the importance of keeping different breeds separate on the farm to maintain genetic excellence. “We don’t believe in chakalaka,” he said, referring to the high-quality genetics of the starter animals he provides to clients.
Cattle breeding management
Ernest Makua, a livestock technical advisor from Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), also joined the line-up, delivering a presentation on essential cattle breeding management that was a great hit with attendees, sparking a flurry of questions.
Farmers were pleased to hear that RMIS assists producers with animal public health, mobile processing units, market access, competitiveness and inclusive growth. In his presentation, Makua stressed the importance of record keeping to run a successful enterprise.
“If you cannot record it you cannot manage it,” he said.
Makua also highlighted key aspects of livestock fertility, providing detailed information on what to look for in bulls as indicators of high fertility and good genetics. He also gave gift packs to some farmers, which included weighing belts, veterinary-grade thermometers, and other resources useful for the early stages of livestock production.
Key takeaways from other top speakers
The Limpopo farmers’ day featured several other top speakers who provided valuable insights. Khaukhanani Ralishugu, senior technical information officer from the department of agriculture, shared insights on the pests farmers should be aware of with their livestock.
Tlou Kabe from the Marketing Information Systems Directorate emphasised the importance of conducting market research before starting production, advising farmers to thoroughly investigate the market if they are considering new ventures.
Mbulelo Ncayiyana, coordinator of advisory services for the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), presented on the services the council offers in terms of farmer development support. He encouraged attendees to reach out to ARC for assistance and training in agro-processing.
Lionel Donovan, senior sales representative for Starke Ayres, shared about the available resources the company offers to farmers. “We can give you the expertise to plant the right seed species at the right time,” he shared.
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