The department will also hand over Nguni bulls and heifers to the Manzimahle community in an effort to further encourage sustainable cattle farming.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the department said the area was ideal for stock farming as it is a sour veldt area with cold winters.
Before the establishment of the shed, the farmers had to drive their sheep to a neighbouring shed in Nompucuko which took a long time. The farmers felt that by the time their produce went to the market, buyers were no longer interested in paying a good price for their wool.
The Masikhule Shearing Shed was completed at the end of February this year and is being officially launched with a membership of 89 farmers.
To date, the shed boasts 112 beneficiaries and has pocketed more than R112,000 with the number of sheep currently at 8,417.
The department said a major drawing card for the farmers was the dipping tank enabling farmers to fight diseases such as sheep scab.
Farmers are also able to form a farming circle where ideas and advice are shared.
The researchers at the University of Fort Hare together with animal scientist from the Department of Agriculture have endorsed a livestock improvement project citing active participation by farmers.
They have also committed to handing over four Nguni bulls and 15 heifers to the Cala community farmers.
In May, the department together with the Great Kei Municipality and local emerging farmers, held the Nguni Production Day where they showcased farmers' products.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews
