AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE
a long way with them – I am 61 now. I love them – it is the varying colours and patterns on their hides that are so attractive. But they must have red-and-white colouring – that is what distinguishes them from other breeds.”
The main breed they farm with is the Lob-Ear, or Lobia, although they also keep Skilderbokke. According to Kevin, the Lobias are hardier and better adapted to the more arid conditions than the Skilderbokke. South African goat breeds are mainly bred for meat in this part of KwaZulu-Natal. Indigenous goat breeds are highly sought after for cultural and religious celebrations, which means good prices are often achieved. According to Kevin, numbers are important in goat farming.“ We get many triplets, and good ewes give us four lambs a year. We get two in February and then two again in September. The secret to raising a goat is that the kids must
7.
7. The brown-and-white spotted markings are typical of the herd on BusyBend.
26 MARKtoe! Februarie 2026