Another North West Nguni farmer scoops the Best Emerging National Beef farmer of the year award.

Ms Matshediso Molale-Mooketsi, a Bonsmara and Nguni breeder from Lykso in the Greater Taung Local Municipality is the winner of the ABSA-ARC National Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year award for 2012.

Being one of the province’s Nguni Cattle Development Project beneficiaries, Ms Molale-Mooketsi of Barui Farming Cooperative outperformed other competitors from the eight provinces and positioned the North West, for the second successive year, as the best in the promotion of good livestock production practices. This award was last year won byMr Clifford Nkokou from Ganyesa in the Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality.

As the 2012 National Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year, the 42-year old female farmer will as part of her winnings, embark on an educational trip to Texas - the World’s Cattle Capital, in the United States of America in April/May 2013.

This recognition was bestowed upon Ms Molale-Mooketsi at the recent National Cattle Championship awards ceremony which was held at the Pretoria Show grounds.

Molale-Mooketsi is a member of the Kaonafatso Ya Dikgomo Scheme which is pioneered by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). More than 1400 livestock farmers across the country are members of this scheme, which seeks to support beef farmers by teaching them how to apply best livestock management practices, with the view to increase their productivity and profitability.

The competition judges attribute Ms Molale-Mooketsi’s trump card to proper record keeping, consistent participation in the vaccination programme, good financial management practices and self-discipline.

“The experience I have gained in this scheme was worthwhile and I will continue to put it in good use in unlocking my potential as a female farmer. I am also grateful to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for having presented me with an opportunity to become a commercial livestock farmer,” Molale-Mooketsi said.

Ms Molale-Mooketsi who entered this competition for the first time, started farming in 2008 with seven (7) mixed breed cattle, and today she is a proud owner of eighty-nine (89) Nguni cows and fifty-eight (58) Bonsmaras. She has employed three permanent workers to look after the herd.

Congratulating Ms Molale-Mooketsi on her achievement, the MEC for North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Desbo Mohono said this milestone is the result of thorough planning, commitment and hard work.

“Seeing beneficiaries of the department’s farmer support programmes demonstrating commitment to the point of being recognised nationally is an encouragement to us. This will also heighten the value we have attached to developing subsistence beef farmers who are prepared to do their part in livestock production and improvement programmes”, said Mohono.

Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za or mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com