Region / Land size: Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal / 714 ha, utilising 514 ha
Stock: 67 Cattle, 50 Goats & 206 Sheep
Market: Formal & Informal
Farmer: Nomfundo Zakwe
Nomfundo at 30 is the driving force behind Zasi Impact Pty Ltd, a 150 ha government-leased farm. Her company focuses specifically on cattle, sheep, and goats. Their operations involve buying and reselling goats and breeding cattle, selling them to local communities, and abattoirs, and participating in livestock auctions.
Layout and infrastructure: The land is divided into grazing areas, a farmhouse, and forestry plantations. The facilities require attention and repair, particularly the storage and perimeter fence. There is a solar water pump for the borehole and a dam within the farm.
The farmland is subdivided across the commodities, 514 ha for grazing, and 90 ha for forestry and plantation. The region experiences varying weather conditions, with warm, partly cloudy summers and cold, misty winters. Annual rainfall is 87 4mm, making stable water sources essential. The farm primarily relies on boreholes for water, utilising nearby rivers when the cattle graze.
Nomfundo cleans and disinfects her livestock often to prevent pests and diseases and uses a dipping program at a communal site utilised by all farmers in the area. The cattle and sheep droppings are used as manure on plantation fields. Waste management involves the burning and burial of dead animals and the proper disposal of chemical containers and syringes. Traffic control, ensuring tight security with a single-entry point and forming an association with neighbouring farmers for mutual support. She monitors and vaccinates against common diseases, with the advice of two local vets. Common treatments are for sheep scab, red water, liver fluke, and lumpy disease.
Business Model: Nomfundo's production system relies on extensive grazing, with rotation in different camps to allow grass regrowth. Breeding occurs during specific seasons for cattle and sheep, with a mix of purebred and auction-bought cattle. The farm sells mature stock while retaining weaners for future production. She plans on using 2ha for planting oats and maize for substituting feed.
Recordkeeping: The business maintains records, excluding a feed register due to extensive grazing. Employment and medication records, along with financial and business records, are documented. Animal identification involves ear and nose tags or tattoo marks. The farm employs semi-skilled and skilled labour, including interns and full-time workers.
Marketing: Strategies encompass social media, word of mouth, and participation in livestock auctions. The farm caters to a wide range of customers, from Jozini in Northern KZN to local communities and AAA which transports the livestock to a formal market.
Assets: The farm owns various assets, including a boom sprayer, slash, tractor, and bakkie, facilitating transportation and supply procurement. The farm's location and easy access to suppliers contribute to its success.
Her vision for expanding the business, repairing infrastructure, and investing in farm skills reflects her commitment to the agricultural sector's growth and development. Her future plans include expanding beyond livestock to bees and forestry production, recognising the stability of the forestry market.