Agri Skills Transfer has made history with the official launch of South Africa’s first-ever operational feedlot on a practical training farm. The groundbreaking facility, located at the institution’s practical farm in Cullinan, Gauteng, is set to transform agricultural education in the country.
The state-of-the-art feedlot, built entirely by staff and students, has an initial capacity for 300 sheep and represents a major milestone in hands-on skills development.
“We burned the midnight oil to get this done – and it shows,” said Shaun Welmans, COO and Director at Agri Skills Transfer. “This feedlot is more than just a facility; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when education meets real-world application.”
In its first operational phase, the feedlot will begin with 100 sheep in a full production cycle to allow students to gain practical experience and refine management practices. Once processes are perfected, the facility will scale up to house 300 sheep, then 600, and ultimately operate as a full-scale commercial unit producing 300 to 600 sheep per week.
The initial cohort includes a mix of commercial store lambs and livestock bred through Agri Skills Transfer, offering students the opportunity to compare performance and improve breeding programmes.
Hands-on training for the next generation
The feedlot is a cornerstone of Agri Skills Transfer’s educational model, providing learners with direct exposure to:
- Feedlot management and operations
- Animal nutrition and health
- Record keeping and farm planning
- Sustainable livestock production
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With 300 sheep on site, students gain unmatched practical experience, preparing South Africa’s future farmers, entrepreneurs, and agri-professionals for real-world challenges.
Looking ahead: MEGA Open Day
The launch coincides with Agri Skills Transfer’s MEGA Open Day on Saturday, 4 October 2025, where visitors, partners, and prospective students can tour the facility and witness firsthand the transformative approach to agricultural training.
“This is a first for the country, and it won’t be the last,” added Welmans. “It’s another proud highlight in Agri Skills Transfer’s 2025 journey of innovation and impact.”
Agri Skills Transfer is South Africa’s leading provider of practical and accredited agricultural training. The organisation focuses on immersive learning experiences where students don’t just study agriculture – they live it.
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