By Matsobane Manaka & Maphari Machaka
Farmers were advised to unite so they can bulk-buy to save cost.
In pursuit of capacitating farmers in various areas of their operation, Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) held an exchange session on sustainable mixed farming at Alma village, Modimolle Municipality on 26 October 2023.
Alma village is a remote area where many farmers are in livestock production. The area is communal, often characterised by overgrazing.
Dishing up a supplementary feed is crucial to address the nutritional value in their animals, said Phistos Mogale, technical sales advisor from EPOL.
Mogale has unpacked all the basic requirements and benefits of providing animals with supplements for successful livestock production. He mentioned that a day-to-day care, selective and breeding are the primary functions of raising an animal – be it sheep, pig, goat, or cattle, until to a point of sale.
Jaqueline Molalakgotla gives purpose of the gathering.
“Animals need shelter, sufficient clean water, treatment for illnesses and diseases as well as supplements such as protein, minerals, calcium and phosphorus as part of providing balance nutrition. This will promote health which will result in higher production and hence meat”, Mogale noted.
He advised farmers to unite in a form of cooperative so they can buy feed, medication and supplements in bulk and share transport costs to the point of sales or auction. He has committed to assist Alma farmers in making their own feed for animals.
He made mention of the management of records in a form of inventory of all animal types, which aims to assist farmers to determine the costs incurred on feed, protein supplement, labour, transport, medicine, repairs of infrastructure and commission.
Dr Edward Sinthumule LDARD veterinarian, explained extensively on animal health including the medications, all diseases and related symptoms found in animals, vaccination programme that farmers must have in place.
In crop production, Khutso Mothatha, a LDARD agricultural advisory zoomed into soil sampling and fertiliser application processes. He indicated that soil sampling is done often after harvest free of charge through extension officer. Tests will then be taken to laboratory to determine the type of soil at a certain fee.
Dr Edward Sinthumule LDARD veterinarian, explained extensively on animal health including the medications, all diseases and related symptoms found in animals, vaccination programme that farmers must have in place.
Exchange session on sustainable mixed farming to capacitate farmers in various areas of their operation.
