Farming and agricultural industries in South Africa produces 80% of all types of food, clothing and commodities. Saving on farming and agricultural equipment and feeding cost is a strategy that small scale farmers need to take a serious look at to make a decent profit. We will share our Tips for Small Scale Farmers in South Africa.
What are we looking at?
- Making your own Feed – The first step to save when you are farming with live stock including chickens, pigs, sheep and cattle.
- How to sell Pigs and Chickens fast for the best profits possible.
- Planting vegetables at the right time and selling to markets
- What to farm with on a small piece of land
- Why More people should farm with Poultry
- The proper Nutrition for Pigs
- Easy Bedding for Day Old Chicks
- Choosing the right chicken and pig breeds to farm with
- Learn from other peoples mistakes
Making your own Feed
We talk about making your own feed first as many farmers are constantly trying to find new methods to cut cost on animal feed. Feed prices is on a all time record high and young and upcoming farmers face these challenges daily in South Africa.
This is probably the most valuable tip we can offer to save money on your farming business and making your own feed is not that difficult if you can get the right ingredients.
These recipes can be modified with grains and beans that contains the same protein values as bought animal feed.
Read more on how to make your own feed
How to sell Pigs and Chickens fast for the best profits possible.
Selling your animals is not always easy and you will always have competitors. As a small scale farmer, these tips will definitely help you to get the most out of your sales when you are ready to sell.
Selling Chickens in SA
Planting vegetables at the right time and selling to markets
Farming with vegetables is a very profitable venture for small scale farmers. There is a wide variety of vegetables to choose from and all provinces in SA has a different planting structure. Before planting your veggies, make sure that your area has a need for the vegetables you are going to plant. An great example would be if your town has many restaurants you should consider planting lettuce and tomatoes as restaurants has a daily need for those type of veggies.
We have put together a planting chart that covers all provinces making it easier to decide what to plant.
What to farm with on a small piece of land
When you are fortunate to rent or own a small piece of land you need to take full advantage of that. Small Scale farming is a great and healthy way to earn some extra cash and you might even turn your hobby into a serious business. We have put together 9 great ideas for you to start farming that does not need a lot of cash.
SA needs more Poultry Farmers
Chicken farming also known as Poultry farming is in great demand and South Africans should get more involved. This is a perfect opportunity for small scale farmers and backyard farmers to spread their wings and start farming. Small Scale Poultry farming is an rewarding fun business and your turnaround time is super fast. Do your market research before you start to be sure that you can sell when your chickens are ready. Read About why more South Africans should farm with chickens.
The proper Nutrition for Pigs
Another important tip is The proper Nutrition for Pigs. If you decide to use your land for small scale pig farming make sure that you read this article.
Pigs do grow fast but feeding the right amounts and with proper nutrition you can see your business flourishing in less than a year. We have done an article about proper nutrition and as a small scale farmer make sure you read it to get more insight on the topic.
Choosing the right chicken and pig breeds to farm with
As a chicken farmer the options are not limited. You can farm for eggs, meat or reselling layers or day old chicks. Deciding what breeds will suit your needs best we have put together the 50 most popular breeds of chickens and pigs in SA.
Learn from other peoples mistakes
When you are a small scale farmer mistakes will happen and mistakes cost money. You will only grow stronger but to avoid making unnecessary mistakes you can read this article “Learn From Mistakes”
South Africa Farming website has a Forum where you can ask a question, start a topic or help others by answering their questions.
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Tips for Small Scale Farmers in South Africa