Livestock farming can be a lucrative and fulfilling venture, but for many, the initial costs can be daunting. Kenny from RoseMo BoerGoat Farm in Botswana and Ayanda Zulu, a KwaZulu-Natal-based farmer, offer practical advice on how to start livestock farming with minimal resources. Their insights show that determination, smart planning, and resourcefulness can help you begin your farming journey without breaking the bank.
Starting Livestock Farming with Little Money in South Africa
Step 1: Start with What You Have
Kenny started RoseMo BoerGoat Farm with just one buck and one female goat, proving that you don’t need a large herd to begin. His strategy? Start small and focus on improving your livestock quality through crossbreeding.
“If I could do it with little money and knowledge, so can you,” says Kenny.
- Begin with local breeds, which are often more affordable and adapted to your environment.
- Invest in one quality animal to improve the genetics of your herd over time.
- Use natural resources, such as existing land and trees for shade, to reduce infrastructure costs.
Step 2: Learn Before You Invest
Before spending money, invest time in learning. Both Kenny and Ayanda stress the importance of education.
- Visit local farms to see how others manage their operations.
- Enrol in affordable online courses like those offered by Peter Smith’s platform, which starts at just R400.
- Join farming communities on social media to gain free insights and tips.
Kenny advises, “Learning first will save you from costly mistakes later.”
Step 3: Build Low-Cost Infrastructure
You don’t need expensive facilities to start farming. Kenny and Ayanda both began with basic setups:
- Use veldspan fencing instead of costly poles and concrete.
- Build simple pens under large trees to provide shade for your animals.
- Recycle materials, such as old wood or corrugated iron, to construct shelters.
“Go for practical and affordable solutions, especially when starting out,” says Kenny.
Step 4: Focus on Feeding and Care
Feed and health management are crucial to keeping your animals productive, but they don’t have to be expensive. Kenny emphasises that a well-cared-for goat will “take care of your pocket.”
- Use local fodder and leftover crops as feed.
- Ensure access to clean water, which can often be sourced naturally.
- Learn basic veterinary care to minimise reliance on costly services.
Step 5: Start Small and Scale Gradually
Starting with a few animals reduces your risk and makes it easier to manage costs. Kenny recommends beginning with 10 goats or fewer.
- Breed your animals and gradually grow your herd over time.
- Crossbreed your local animals with high-quality starter bucks to improve offspring quality and market value.
Ayanda advises, “Patience is key in farming. You invest first and reap the rewards later.”
Step 6: Market Your Farm for Free
Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive. Kenny used Facebook to promote RoseMo BoerGoat Farm and reach potential buyers.
- Create a free Facebook page to showcase your livestock and share updates.
- Engage with your audience through photos, videos, and posts about your farming journey.
- Network with local farmers and buyers through WhatsApp groups or farming expos.
“Without marketing, no one will know about your farm. Start small but stay visible,” says Kenny.
Step 7: Reinforce Your Long-Term Vision
While starting with little money is possible, livestock farming is a long-term investment. You may not see immediate profits, but with careful planning, your farm can grow into a sustainable business.
Both Kenny and Ayanda emphasise the importance of staying committed, even when challenges arise. Ayanda shares, “Farming teaches you patience and resilience. You learn to adapt and grow.”
Bonus Tip: Smart Breeding Practices
Kenny suggests a clever, low-cost breeding strategy:
- Keep your buck in a separate pen to control breeding and manage offspring cycles.
- Introduce your buck to the females at the same time to ensure synchronised births, which can save on labour and feeding costs.
“Good management leads to better profits,” he explains.
Action Plan Strategy
Action Plan Strategy for Goat and Cattle Farming in South Africa
This action plan provides a realistic roadmap for starting and scaling goat and cattle farming in South Africa. It includes specific recommendations on breeds, funding sources, infrastructure, and market strategies, with actionable steps, names of organisations, and relevant links.
Step 1: Define Your Farming Goals and Location
- Location: Identify where you will farm. For example:
- KwaZulu-Natal: Known for its grazing potential and support for small-scale farmers.
- North West Province: Ideal for cattle farming due to semi-arid conditions.
- Short-term Goals: Start with 10 Boer goats and 5 Brahman cattle within 6 months.
- Long-term Goals: Expand to 50 Boer goats and 30 Brahman cattle within 5 years.
Step 2: Secure Funding and Resources
Funding Sources
- Land Bank Blended Finance Scheme:
- Offers a combination of grants (up to 50%) and loans for livestock farmers.
- Contact: Visit their Blended Finance Scheme page.
- Example: Small-scale goat farmers in Limpopo have received R50,000 – R100,000 in funding for initial infrastructure and livestock.
- National Empowerment Fund (NEF):
- Provides funding for black-owned farming enterprises.
- Contact: NEF Funding.
- AgriSETA:
- Offers training grants and development support for emerging farmers.
- Contact: AgriSETA.
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD):
- Subsidises feed, vaccines, and equipment for small-scale farmers.
- Example: Farmers in Eastern Cape received grants covering up to 60% of project costs.
Step 3: Acquire Livestock
Recommended Breeds
- Boer Goats (Meat):
- Purchase from breeders like RoseMo BoerGoat Farm in Botswana or Boer Goat Breeders SA.
- Cost: R3,000 – R5,000 per goat (starter buck and female).
- Nguni Goats (Low Maintenance):
- Suitable for harsh climates and browsing forage.
- Example: Available from Nguni Breeders Society.
- Brahman Cattle (Beef):
- Known for adaptability and high meat yield.
- Purchase from breeders in the Free State or through platforms like Stud Breeders SA.
- Cost: R25,000 – R35,000 per head.
- Friesian Cattle (Dairy):
- Cost: R20,000 – R30,000 per head.
Step 4: Build Affordable Infrastructure
Basic Requirements
- Shelter:
- Build pens using veldspan fencing (R25 per metre) for goats and corrals for cattle.
- Source materials from local suppliers such as Builders Warehouse or co-ops like AgriMark.
- Water Supply:
- Install JoJo tanks (R5,000 – R7,000) for consistent water access.
- Contact JoJo Tanks SA: JoJo Tanks.
- Feed and Storage:
- Store bulk feed from suppliers like Kaap Agri or AfriCoop.
- Feed costs:
- Goats: R150 per goat per month.
- Cattle: R350 per cow per month.
Step 5: Manage Livestock Health
- Vaccinations and Deworming:
- Contact local veterinary services through the South African Veterinary Council.
- Budget: R150 per goat and R500 per cow annually.
- Training and Advice:
- Enrol in courses from organisations like AgriSETA or platforms like Farmer’s Weekly.
Step 6: Create a Marketing and Sales Plan
Markets to Target
- Local Butcheries and Abattoirs:
- Example: Camdeboo Abattoir (Eastern Cape) for goats and MeatCo (Gauteng) for cattle.
- Community Markets:
- Start selling directly to local communities or through farmers’ markets.
- Export Opportunities:
- Explore goat meat export opportunities to the Middle East via platforms like ExportGov.
Digital Marketing
- Create a Facebook page and Instagram account for your farm.
- Use platforms like Agrimag to list livestock for sale.
Step 7: Monitor and Scale Your Farm
- Keep Records:
- Track expenses, health records, and sales.
- Use apps like FarmRanger for livestock monitoring.
- Scale Gradually:
- Reinvest profits into acquiring more livestock and improving infrastructure.
- Collaborate:
- Join cooperatives such as National Emergent Red Meat Producers Organisation (NERPO) to access resources and networks.
Projected Costs and Revenue
Year 1 Costs:
- Infrastructure: R50,000 (basic pens, fencing, water tanks).
- Livestock: R75,000 (10 goats and 5 cattle).
- Feed and health: R30,000 annually.
- Training: R2,000 (online courses and farm visits).
Year 1 Revenue:
- Goats: 20 kids sold at R1,500 each = R30,000.
- Cattle: 2 calves sold at R12,000 each = R24,000.
Total Revenue: R54,000
Profit/Loss: -R31,000 (typical for the first year).
Year 3 Revenue (after herd expansion):
- Goats: 60 kids sold at R2,000 each = R120,000.
- Cattle: 6 calves sold at R15,000 each = R90,000.
Total Revenue: R210,000
Profit: R100,000+
Next Steps
- Visit the Land Bank or DALRRD for funding applications.
- Purchase livestock from reputable breeders and suppliers.
- Set up your infrastructure and begin your journey into livestock farming.
For more information, visit these resources:
Start small, stay focused, and grow your farm into a sustainable business. With the right approach, livestock farming can become a profitable and impactful venture.
Final Thoughts
Starting livestock farming with little money in South Africa is entirely possible if you focus on affordability, learning, and gradual growth. Kenny from Botswana and Ayanda from KZN prove that you can succeed by being resourceful and starting small.
Whether it’s using simple infrastructure, leveraging local breeds, or marketing on a budget, their experiences show that you don’t need a fortune to start farming—you need determination, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
Take the first step today and build your farming future!