9. A large goat herd is one of the main farming activities on BusyBend, owned by Kevin Taylor.
He stresses that successful goat farming requires dedication.
“ If you don’ t like goats, they won’ t like you. You have to see them every morning and evening and keep an eye on them all the time because they need intensive care.”
Sue says Kevin knows every goat individually.“ If he counts them and one is missing, he will know exactly which one it is.”
Questioned on the quality of goat meat compared to mutton, Kevin explains that goats should first spend time in a feedlot before slaughter.
“ If you slaughter a goat directly from the veld, you get that thornveld taste. But after about six weeks in a feedlot, you can hardly tell the difference between goat meat and mutton.”
Adapting to changing seasons
To support the cattle, Kevin and Bruce also plant sorghum on about 18 ha and maize, which they bale for the drier months