“ Our breeding is based on fertility, and if you get that wrong, every other cost falls out of line. The tighter the calving period in autumn and spring, the more profitable the farm will be.” Graham explains that during winter, they graze cattle on dryland maize fields. Pastures produce little growth during winter, but recover strongly in spring when grazing cycles shorten from 60 days to 28 days. They also plant maize for silage and follow it with maize over-sow as green feed. The two Mooi River farms irrigate from dams, so irrigation has to be monitored carefully because water is a scarce commodity.
“ I was once asked what the single most important aspect of farming here is. For me, it is simple: soil fertility. It influences the entire system, from animal health to production figures. The second most important factor is cow fertility.”
9.
9.
9. Graham likes a tranquil setting in his farmyard and keeps noise and activity around the milk shed to a minimum.