While the recent March rainfall has been beneficial for grazing pastures, it has also presented challenges for young farmers at Driefontein Farm, just outside Bloemfontein.
The farm, which primarily focuses on livestock, has seen improved grazing conditions due to the rain, ensuring better nutrition for their cattle, horses, goats, and ostriches. However, excessive rain and muddy terrain have made it difficult to monitor the animals, as farm workers mainly rely on horses.
“When it becomes too muddy, it poses a risk to us and our horses,” explained farm supervisor Tshepang Khake.
Two students – Gift Msibi studying at CPUT in the Western Cape and Lindanokuhle Bovula, a student from Fort Cox Agriculture & Forestry Training Institute – currently completing their work-integrated learning year at Driefontein Farm, are responsible for monitoring livestock, maintaining fences, administering vaccinations, as well as brand marking and tagging the animals.
The farm has eight different camps of Bonsmara cattle, which require constant supervision. Fence maintenance is an ongoing struggle, as wild animals frequently damage them. Weed control is another challenge, with invasive plants posing a toxic threat to the animals.
According to Khake, the rain also brings health risks. “The rain carries external pesticides from other farms, which can be dangerous to our animals. We also struggle with cattle eye infections due to the rain,” he said.
A significant concern is disease outbreaks. A horse flu outbreak has already claimed one horse.
The farmers also face threats from snakes. During a recent visit, Bloemfontein Courant spotted a puff adder on the farm, highlighting the dangers they deal with daily.
Source - https://www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
