Pholisa Bidla took the reins of her family’s Eastern Cape farm during their hardest moments. Today, she’s scaling the business from Gauteng, proving that remote management is possible with a solid vet-led strategy and strong community ties. Learn more in this episode of Farmer Mentor.
Pholisa Bidla’s introduction to agriculture began at home in the Eastern Cape, where livestock formed a central part of daily life. Her late father, Nyameko Bidla, started the family’s farming journey with a small herd of fewer than ten cattle.
“The cows my father kept were very productive, producing a lot of milk. Our home was known for amasi and fresh milk, and my mother never let a guest leave without sharing some,” she says. These early experiences shaped her appreciation for farming and livestock management.
As the family’s interest in farming grew, her father purchased a larger farm two and a half hours away and registered it as a business, making Bidla and her late brother, Phakamisa, shareholders.
She gained practical experience during school holidays, gradually taking on more responsibility.
Related stories
- Seeds of love: Limpopo couple’s farming journey takes root
- Cattleman Carter: Turning tough terrain into opportunity
- Protect your livestock: Dos and don’ts for the rainy season
- Festive stock heists spark alarm across rural SA
Taking over after family losses
After her father died in 2018, the family continued running the farm with her mother, Mandisa, leading operations until her passing in 2020. From then on, despite living in Gauteng, Bidla assumed full responsibility for managing the enterprise, a role that intensified after the recent loss of her brother.
“At that point, I had no choice but to be fully involved, despite living in Gauteng,” she says.
The farm, Ranos 2108, is located in Elliot in the Eastern Cape and focuses on meat production. Bidla manages a herd of Nguni and Bonsmara cattle, with a few Brahmans. The business is registered with the CIPC and listed under the department of agriculture, which provides vaccination support and technical assistance where possible.
She oversees all aspects of farm management, from sourcing feed and supplements to coordinating vaccination schedules.
Bidla stresses the importance of strong relationships with workers and neighbours. “Having trustworthy neighbours is crucial. They’re our eyes and ears when I can’t be on the farm. They’ve helped us through difficult times, including theft incidents, without asking for anything in return.”
Committed to animal health
A structured breeding programme and strong veterinary support are central to the farm’s success. Bidla ensures calving takes place in summer, when pasture quality is highest, reducing the need for extra supplements. She maintains a comprehensive vaccination programme guided by her veterinarian.
“Having a vet isn’t optional. It’s essential. My vet advises me on every aspect of herd health, including vaccination schedules, nutrition, and disease prevention. This support has been instrumental in maintaining the quality of our livestock.”
Her consistent focus on animal health, nutrition, and correct management practices has enabled her to scale up and supply local abattoirs. “I spent personal funds initially to ensure everything was done correctly, from vaccinations to nutrition, to reach the point where I can supply the abattoir with confidence.”
The farm also collaborates with the department of agriculture for certain supplies and technical support, although Bidla acknowledges there are still challenges due to limited resources in her municipality.
Stock theft and biosecurity remain major concerns, prompting strict measures to protect livestock. “I don’t allow everyone onto the farm. Even workers are careful. When someone wants to buy a cow, I send photos, and only on the day of collection do they see the animal. The others are hidden,” she explains.
She limits visitors to a maximum of two people during deliveries or collections to minimise the risk of theft or disease.
A management philosophy that breeds success
Bidla credits her management philosophy to her father. “He was hands-on, visited the farm every second day, and emphasised involvement and networking. He shared knowledge freely, and I learned to do the same. Farming is about relationships, your neighbours, workers, vets, and peers.”
She aims to share her knowledge, mentor new farmers, and demonstrate that managing a thriving Eastern Cape livestock operation from Gauteng is possible. Her long-term goal is to build a strong reputation for quality meat, attract investment, and ensure generational growth of the enterprise.
Her advice to new entrants is clear: patience, time, and focus. “Take baby steps. Learn from others, attend workshops, and understand your farm thoroughly before expanding. Communicate well with your employees; they are your eyes and ears on the farm. And never take shortcuts,” she says.
READ NEXT: Carbon credits: How to measure, monetise, and manage your risk
