The demand for animal feed is increasing as South Africa’s livestock industry continues to show strong growth. With this growth comes feed mill opportunities for farmers to tap into.
In this Farmer’s Inside Track episode, we explore ways to set up a feed mill.
In the episode, De Wet Boshoff, founder and managing director of Consolidated Agricultural Services, shares his expertise in setting up a feed factory. He discusses a few important questions to ask yourself as a farmer if you are considering this as a business venture.
What is a feed factory?
Before jumping into a new agricultural venture is it important to think about a few important elements.
In the episode, Boshoff explains what a feed factory is and why this is important. He also explains the difference between on-farm mixing for personal use versus how it is done in the commercial sector with big poultry houses, feedlots, dairies etc.
He breaks down what is required to set up a feed factory, especially for new farmers, as well as input costs and other additional costs.
“There are critical items that must be in place before venturing into this. First is infrastructure (electricity, water, roads or rail). If you don’t have water you can’t [proceed] because these machines definitely need electricity and water.”
Boshoff explains why land, trained staff, and a couple of other factors are important.
#SoilSista Bongiwe Moeli sharing her flower love
The episode also features Bongiwe Moeli, who is one of the inspiring women who was selected for the Corteva Women in Agripreneur 2023.
After a career spanning 20 years in media and communications, Moeli founded Butterfly Kiss Floral Design in July 2016. She discovered her deep connection and love for flowers.
The year-long blended development programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Entrepreneurship Development Academy (EDA). This is an episode not to be missed!
In this episode, Boshoff also discusses:
- How global dynamics impact feed manufacturers;
- How a feed factory plays a role in food security; and
- How Consolidated Agricultural Services can help you get started and more.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
