March 16th-

Today we had the opportunity to visit a few of the emerging farmers of South Africa. An emerging farm is considered a small-scale farmer that is yet to become a commercial farm. The first farm we visited primarily produced vegetables with some wild game and swine. The first thing that we saw was the “Miracle Tree”, also known as the Moringa, tree that produces a high nutrient-based product containing many vital minerals and vitamins. Also, when given to pigs it can reduce fat. This tree’s seeds and leaves are a staple product sold directly from the farm and is made into powders and oils. The farm also holds some swine butchered on site and then sold locally.

The next place that we visited was Motsemotala, an emerging farm that was family operated. It consisted of 128 Bonsmara cattle which they run as a cow calf to finish operation on 75 hectares (185 acres). They also use their facilities for training women farmers, youth, and other less developed emerging farmers in the area on proper farming practices.

Both emerging farmers shared with us their future plans for their operations. They both plan on increasing the size of their farms until they can be considered commercial farmers. They are on the verge of becoming commercial farmers and worked hard to get there.

On our way back from the Motsemotala farm to the dairy, we passed over the Hartebeespoort dam. The dam is on the Crocodile River, an absolutely breath-taking site. We were surprised to see the just how large the dam was (195 feet tall).

We next reached Jasmyn Farms who operate Mount Magalies Jerseys. We first ate lunch at their well-known waffle house before heading over to see the inside of the dairy barn. Jasmyn Farms hold 408 Jersey cattle, with only 208 in production. This operation focuses on the production of milk fat; cows can produce up to 4.6% milk fat. Their goal is to reach 5% milk fat.  This operation is a fully integrated production line from the milking of the cows to the sale of products in their onsite grocery store. We finished the day by visiting this well-known grocery store and gift shop to pick up souvenirs for our beloved families back home.

-Joseph Halbur and Sophie Pepper
















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