Region / Land size: Colesberg, Northern Cape / 200 ha, utilising 60 ha
Stock: 116 Cattle & 48 Goats
Market: Formal
Farmer: Makubutu Manoto
Makubutu, a 26-year-old farmer, brings her distinctive perspective and experience to the agricultural sector. She has acquired knowledge through short courses in animal feeding, sheep shearing, and calving. Her farming journey began in 2011, supplying livestock to neighbouring towns and establishing a valuable partnership with Karan Beef for calf supply. Currently, Makubutu manages both goats and cattle, operating in Colesberg. However, due to overgrazing issues stemming from limited land, she plans to relocate to Hopetown. Her farm collaborates with AF ASA to provide aggregation services to small-scale farmers, offering support and assistance to fellow agriculturalists.
Infrastructure: the farm boasts a kraal, reservoir, five 5000-litre water tanks, feed troughs made from old tires, and fencing. Additionally, a windmill water pump provides water access. The total farm covers 200 hectares, with permission granted to use 60 hectares for grazing 116 Nguni cattle. A separate 1-hectare plot houses a kraal for 48 Boer goats. All the land used is communal.
Business Model: revolves around a grazing system supplemented by purchased and mixed feed during dry seasons. She maintains purebred livestock for sale, including weaners and matured stock.
Markets: Her primary market is Karan Beef for the calves. Additionally, she provides goat's milk to a local cheese maker. Theft remains a notable challenge in the area.
Biodiversity: Dead animals are sent to the abattoir for processing and burning. Ticks are the most common pests in the region.
Recordkeeping: While verification documents such as employment records, vaccination records, business plans, lease agreements, and brand mark certificates have not been received.
Employment: She employs four workers and has started using apps to streamline her daily farming operations, including banking and weather monitoring. Makubutu envisions growing her farm to accommodate 1000 cattle, primarily calves, to establish a consistently profitable business with Karen Beef. Her objectives also include acquiring suitable transportation for sales and aggregation purposes, further strengthening her farm's operations.
A full recommendation is hampered by a lack of verification documents, including the farm lease.