When taking on a Dairy farm in South Africa

The Dairy industry in South Africa employ over 40000 people and contributes about R17.8 billion Rand per annum to the country’s economy.

Cattle dedicated to dairy farming

In South Africa, the percentage of cattle dedicated to dairy farming has increased steadily over the past few decades, from 34% in 1960 to 71% in 2016. Most of this increase has been driven by an increasing demand for dairy products.

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What breeds to invest in when you purchased a dairy farm?

Simmentaler

Origin -The Middle Ages Simme Valley in Switzerland. It was a German cross breed between large and small indigenous cattle from Switzerland.

Important Dairy farming traits – They are fine lined and muscular and highly adaptable with good mothering traits. They are popular because of their versatility. They are good for dairy and beefing qualities.

Red Poll

Origin – England where they crossed the North folk red with the Suffolk Dun

Important Dairy farming traits – They are economical because they can forage in dry areas. They are extremely fertile and can bread well past 10 years of age. They produce high quality milk and have excellent mothering abilities. Thanks to the solid dark red coat, eye, and adder pigmentation they have less sunburn and eye problems than other breeds.

Dexter

Origin – Count Kerry South Western Ireland

Important Dairy farming traits –They are a small breed of beef and dairy cows. They are bread to provide milk with high butterfat. They are hardy and long lived.

South Devon

Origin – Countries of Devon and Cornwall in South-west England

Important Dairy farming traits – Known as a large dual-purpose breed that can be used on a small farm because of their easy to handle temperament.

Holstein Friesians

Origin – North Holland, Friesland and Schleswig-Holstein in Northern Germany

Important dairy farming traits – They are seen as the world’s highest producing dairy animals. They are bread for beef and dairy.

Jersey

Origin – The small British islands of Jersey.

Important Dairy farming Characteristics – They are small and friendly and produce milk with a very high butterfat content. The bulls are more aggressive.

Guernsey

Origin – The Guernsey Islands

Important Dairy farming Characteristics – A docile cow and milk perfect for cheese production. They produce a high-quality milk and offers an early return on investment because of them reaching reproductive maturity at approximately 22 months.

Ayrshire

Origin – Scotland

Important Dairy farming traits – Medium in size but very strong and easy to raise. They produce a high-quality milk and their productivity is good because of their history of being less prone to disease.

Brown Swiss

Origin – North eastern part of Switzerland and the oldest of all dairy breeds

Important Dairy farming traits – Excellent for milk, protein and butter fat production. They are well build, long lived and adaptable.

Dairy shorthorn

Origin – Tees River in Northern part of England.

Important Dairy farming traits – High fertility, good mothering skills, docile temperament, and effective grazers

Production

In terms of production, South Africa has been a major global exporter of dairy products since the early 1990s. It ranks seventh among the world’s leading exporters of cow’s milk and its derivative products, including cheese and butter.

Sustainability

The sustainability of dairy farming in South Africa is heavily dependent upon good animal health and the production of high-quality milk. Well-managed dairy farms should be able to maintain healthy animals and superior milk yields. Sustainable management practices such as rotational grazing and pasture management are essential to ensure that the environmental impact of dairy farming is also minimised.

In order to ensure a sustainable dairy industry in South Africa, the government has implemented a number of initiatives, such as promoting animal health and welfare, and providing financial incentives for efficient dairy farming.

The South African Dairy Association (SADA) also plays an important role in promoting a sustainable and successful dairy industry in South Africa.

What to take into consideration when buying a dairy farm?

* Always get more than one Professional’s opinion in the Dairy industry before you buy and get your business plan drawn up by an expert in the field.

* Talk to farmers, veterinarians and nutritionists in your area of interest as each area differs.

* Develop a waste management program

* Cost of infrastructure

* Create a cropping and feeding program

* Draw up a detailed program for herd health

* Check the reliability of electricity supply

* Do market research in your area of interest to see if there is a market for your dairy products.

Dairy farming is hard work, and you need to be extremely organized and have the ability to manage people effectively to ensure the success of your farm.