WOOL | DWARSVLEI
Top: Cattle farmers producing beef can choose any breed, as long as the bovines are red. They have strong builds, which are conducive to growth rate and fattening.
Talking about prices, Matthew says pricing brings its own challenges, especially during droughts when the farmer needs to decide whether it is financially viable to feed the animals or sell off some of the herd. Over and above that, the farmer does not know what lamb prices will do in the near future.
“ It currently feels more volatile than ever before. I haven’ t checked the stats, but you often sit with prices that are 30 % to 40 % up and suddenly they are down again. That makes it very difficult to make your sums.”
Surviving these challenges is no easy feat for farmers here, as the area is only suitable for grazing goats, sheep and cattle.
Maar,’ n boer maak’ n plan. And the Van Lingens have been around for long enough to assume they have made all the right plans.
JUN 2026 GROND TOT MOND 45