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business is that it is constantly changing. There is always something new to learn, a new element to consider, a new challenge to overcome. Because both the goats and the cheese cultures are live organisms, the number of things to consider on a daily basis is vast and everchanging. It keeps them both busy but with enough time to appreciate the joy of what they have created. Their children and grandchildren are all big fans of the cheeses. Rina and Norman themselves eat goats cheese every day.“ I go into minor withdrawal if I don ' t have any,” says Rina. It was not all easy. Rina and Norman both point out the lack of understanding around goats ' milk in South Africa. Their early years were marred by issues owing to the fact that all information they had been given was relevant only to cows ' milk. They learned by trial and error and are hoping to pass this knowledge on to help new farmers avoid these problems. Rina is a member of the Milk Producers Organisation of Gauteng. She is also a founding member of the Southern African Goat-Sheep Milk Processors Organisation and the Small Stock Dairy Association. Through this platform the Belchers are looking at ways to elevate the status of small-stock dairy farming in South Africa. Norman says the worldwide consumption of small stock dairy milk represents about 65 % of all milk consumed – despite the small usage in South Africa. The Belchers are trying to change that. They already have a large client-base of gourmet restaurants, hotels and other hospitality industry members. Their weekly stall at the Hazel Food Market in Pretoria is always busy. Steadily, their wide range of excellent quality products is winning over fans across the country.
Despite the already large success of the business, Rina and Norman have big plans for the future. In the next 18 months they hope to open a small coffee shop on their property that will encourage visitors to spend some time on the property, and relax with a glass of wine or a coffee and some cheese. They are also hoping to move into the meat industry with high-end lamb, mutton and goat products. They are looking at ways of
SMART SMALLHOLDERS
combining their already hugely successful annual dairy day with a bigger livestock show. They also want to focus on the transferral of skills to young emerging farmers. The Belnori Boutique Cheesery is testament to the fact that smallholdings in Gauteng can be profitable. Through trial and error, and with an open-mind the Belchers have created a sustainable and successful business. For more information: Belnori
Boutique Cheesery, tel 082 377-5698, email rina @ belnori. com
21 www. sasmallholder. co. za