Young black beef farmers in the North West Province are steadily making major inroads into the lucrative stud breeding field that was previously the domain of white commercial farmers, as their breeds are now being recognised at various agricultural shows.
One of these young farmers, Dr Obakeng Mfikoe, an ardent Simbra and Simmentaler breeder from Rietfontein farm in the Lichtenburg area, has produced a champ when his Simbra heifer won the Grand Championship at the annual Lichtenburg Show last week.
Dr Mfikoe who has since relinquished his profession as a medical doctor and is now a successful livestock farmer, started as a Simbra breeder in 2009 and later on in 2011 added the Simmentaler breed to his herd. He
currently has 300 cows, of which 255 are Simbra and 45 are Simmentaler breeds.
“The choice of my breed”, he concedes, “is particularly influenced by its ability to improve the quality of the herd since there is a larger genetic pool available and its adaptability to any environment”.
He attributes his success to the study group he belongs to and cites regular testing of bulls to compare their performance, opportunities to participate at agricultural shows and sharing of ideas and experiences with fellow farmers, as among the benefits he enjoys.
The MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Desbo Mohono who congratulated Dr Mfikoe on his remarkable achievement, says the Department is pleased by the passion and successes of young farmers like Dr Mfikoe, as they are contributing meaningfully to the Department’s vision of shaping the agricultural sector towards prosperity.
MEC Mohono says she is to a great extent encouraged by black and young farmers’ realisation of the abundant opportunities that exist in the sector, as well as the momentous efforts being made to prove their worth in the competitive field of stud breeding.
“Among other benefits of winning this prestigious Grand Championship is that the value of my cow will increase during sales”, Dr Mfikoe said proudly.
The three-day Lichtenburg Agricultural show is organised annually by the Lichiefees Organisation at the showgrounds outside Lichtenburg, and livestock farmers from around the North West Province and other affiliated Provinces participated in this show.
Contact Person:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za / mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
