Enhancing Livestock Quality and Market Reach: The Success Story of OR Tambo Sheep Farmers and Dohne Merino Rams

Farmers in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape of South Africa have received a boost in their livestock quality and market reach through the donation of 144 Dohne Merino rams with superior genetics from Nonkqubela Pieters, the Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC. This support is part of the government’s efforts to commercialize agriculture in the province.

Dedication and Passion of Farming: Nowandile Mbana’s Story

Nowandile Mbana, a 60-year-old widow from Mafini village, started sheep farming, vegetable gardening, and fruit farming, inspired by her late husband and seven children. However, she faced limitations in her sheep farming enterprise due to the wool quality and genetics of her nondescript rams and ewes. With the donation of a Dohne Merino ram from MEC Pieters, Mbana anticipates improving her flock’s quality and expanding her business profits, which are essential to supporting her family of eight grandchildren.

Dohne Merino Rams for Enhanced Livestock Quality

The Eastern Cape government’s donation of Dohne Merino rams aims to support farmers in communal lands, smallholding farms, and other previously disadvantaged farming communities. Papama Madyibi, a farmer from Vidgiesville, and Mcebisi Magida, a former Briskop mine worker, are amongst those who benefited from the donation.

Grass and Grain Feeding, Medicine Provisions, and Care for Effective Mating

To ensure the rams’ effective mating, farmers plan to focus on grass and grain feeding, medicine provisions, and keeping the rams separate from ewes until mating season. This attention to detail and care is essential for the development of sheep with superior genetics.

Accessing Lucrative Export Markets

With greater meat and wool production, Magida plans to expand his market reach to include the export market, which was previously inaccessible due to the poor quality of his livestock. The Eastern Cape provincial government recognizes the potential of the export market for OR Tambo farmers. MEC Pieters stated that foreign countries need meat due to their lack of livestock, and the Eastern Cape is uniquely positioned to meet this demand with its high livestock population.

Comprehensive Support Measures for Livestock Enterprises

The Department has provided eight shearing sheds for local wool growers to improve wool harvesting conditions by moving farmers out of mud huts and into purpose-built facilities. The Department’s Veterinary Services has also trained farmers on sheep care, disease prevention, and proper feeding practices, ensuring the continued success and growth of their livestock enterprises.

Through these comprehensive support measures, the OR Tambo sheep farmers are well on their way to achieving superior livestock quality and expanded market opportunities, ultimately improving their livelihoods and supporting their families.