ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HARTEBEESTLOOP EVENT
Published: 01 Jun 2017

Another successful farmer’s day and Bonsmara auction were hosted by Agra and Hartebeestloop on 18 and 19 May on the Farm Hartebeestloop outside Stampriet. The information day revolved around successful farming with a number of farmers who were acknowledged as ‘mega farmers’ sharing their secret to success. 

Nick Serfontein shared Sernick’s story under the title: “Farm to Plate”.  Sernick is a diversified agricultural organisation in Kroonstad in South Africa. Their operations include the whole value chain, literally from farm to plate with a Bonsmara stud, their own animal feed production system, a feedlot, facilities for red meat production including an abattoir, de-boning and processing facilities as well as retail outlets. The group employs 400 people and has annual revenues of R1 billion. Nick concluded his presentation by sharing the critical factors for success from his own experience. He said: “dream big, surround yourselves with good people with a passion for what they do, empower people”, and listed other key factors for success being: timely decision taking; focus on the consumer; good systems, good balance in the management team hard work and perseverance. 

Gawie van Heerden, marketing director of Konsortium Merino explained the principles of consortium farming. This business is based on the principle that investors buy ewe units from Konsortium Operations (KO). A profit share farming agreement is entered into between the investor/farmer and KO. KO manages the farming for the benefit of both parties. 

This agreement is valid for a minimum of 3 years. At the termination of the period entered into, the investor/farmer can renew the contract, take the value of the ewe units in cash or take the value in stock to carry on his own farming. He also highlighted challenges they face, such as to grow ewe numbers to farm more effectively, bargain collectively and supply these quality products to the market in sustainable quantities. These are addressed through the principles of consortium farming where groundwork has already been done and structures are in place to make a success of this branded farming enterprise.

“A universal breeding policy, with practical and scientific farming practices, has been implemented to ensure top genetics. Management- and grazing systems are in place and the Konsortium-Merino stock advisors and mentors see to it that the standards are maintained on all the farms – this ensures quality. The risk is spread between the various farming units minimizing the risk to individual farming enterprises.

Due to the tough economic climate, not many farmers are in a financial position to increase their land and stock numbers. This model is the answer for the average size farmer, as well as any other investor, looking to systematically expand his farming enterprise. It is also the ideal opportunity for the “big” farmer to expand without the management hassles. The farmer can use his surplus ewes or capital to expand before tax.”  

Pierre Vercueil told farmers how “backgrounding” can serve as ‘extensive feedlot’ to help prepare calves for finishing off faster in feedlots. Strategic reasons for backgrounding from a feedlot perspective are inter alia that it decreases the cattle stock uncertainty, stabilises stock flow, minimises the buying price by focusing on the times of good supply as well as shorter periods in the feedlot to reach the final mass; increased throughput;  higher carcass mass and lower mortality and morbidity due to lower weaning shock.

Mecki Schneider, ‘mega farmer’ of Namibia highlighted the challenges faced by Namibian farmers and gave solutions to address the challenges of decreasing extensive livestock farming profitability. Some of the advice Mecki gave are: having a positive attitude; taking stock to assess risks and identify the weakest links; plan carefully and have control in order to improve effectiveness and maximise efficiency. He also encouraged farmers to ensure that they understand all the facets of their farming enterprise, have a strategic plan, use technology and build up resilience in the good times to be prepared for the challenging times. “Attitude, talent and knowledge more than capital, are the critical factors to overcome challenging times”, he said. 

Ryno van der Merwe, president of the Namibia Agricultural Union continued on the role that organised agriculture plays in assisting farmers to farm successfully despite challenges. 
Agra Retail and Wholesale division was the host of the day and guest were treated on a good breakfast, lunch and refreshments while the Agra Auctions concluded the day with a steak braai. 

Dr Joggie Briedenhann, owner of Hartebeestloop was very happy with the outcomes of the day which was, according to him, the best attended since its inception ten years ago. 

The Hartebeestloop auction, which was hosted on Friday, again attracted a large number of guests and buyers . Eugenie Briedenhann and the Hartebeestloop staff went all out to entertain guests with breakfast, refreshments and lunch while at the auction pen everything was running smoothly to conclude another successful Hartebeestloop auction.