Region / Land size: Moloto, Eastern Cape / 18 ha, utilising 4 ha
Stock: 35 Cattle
Market: Formal & Informal
Farmer: Sinovuyo Momo
Sinovuyo has been in the cattle business since 2018. Her ultimate goal is to operate a butchery and local shisanyama. Currently, the business has 35 cattle, which are a mix of Nguni and Bonsmara breeds. She operates a feedlot and uses the local abattoir to supply her shisanyama.
Infrastructure: Includes a kraal for cattle to rest at night and a small handling facility for vaccination and spray-dipping. There is no actual farm, but access to the communal land. The business also operates an on-site shisanyama where slaughtered and braaid meat is sold to the local community. A vehicle is available for shisanyama supplies and transport is hired for cattle hauling.
Biodiversity: The area has a moderate climate and access to a nearby dam provides favourable conditions for cattle farming. Biodiversity in the area involves communal land where cattle mix with those of other farmers. While the area is free from wild animals, occasional cattle theft occurs.
Business Model: The cattle production system involves acquiring cattle from various farmers and fattening them for her markets. One bull and six calves are in the herd, which grazes in a nearby bush and returns in the afternoon. Winter grazing is supplemented with grass bales.
HR and Marketing: Record-keeping is mainly focused on the shisanyama output. Her fat her manages the cattle business and a herdsman is also on the payroll. There are three permanent employees, with additional temporary hires during peak seasons. The business primarily markets its products through its shisanyama but plans to target the rest of Gqeberha. The farm is welllocated, close to the tar road, Shisanyama, and abattoir.
The business has experienced significant growth since its inception in 2021, increasing its cattle herd from two to 35 cows in less than three years. With an annual revenue of approximately R500,000 (anecdotal) and expenditures of nearly R150,000, there is significant potential for further expansion. However, the business requires a proper farm for intensive cattle farming and formal training for the owner and employees to establish an efficient production system.
Recommendations include acquiring suitable farming land, formal livestock production training, mentorship, funding for farm infrastructure, additional cattle stock, and an intensive beef production unit.