Young breeder wins top prize at Lichtenburg Show

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The Simbra and Simmentaler breeder from the Rietfontein farm in Lichtenburg, beat other livestock farmers from around the North West and other affiliated provinces to win the prestigious award.

The three-day show is organised annually by the Lichiefees Organisation at the showgrounds outside Lichtenburg.

Dr Mfikoe gave up his profession as a medical doctor to become a successful livestock farmer in 2009.

He started as a Simbra breeder and in 2011 added the Simmentaler breed to his herd. Currently, he has 300 cows, of which 255 are Simbra and 45 are Simmentaler breeds.

Dr Mfikoe attributed his success as a livestock farmer to the study group he belongs to, the regular testing of bulls to compare their performance, opportunities to participate at agricultural shows and the sharing of ideas and experiences with fellow farmers.

He said among the benefits of winning the award would be that the value of his cows will increase.

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said young black beef farmers in the North West were steadily making major inroads into the lucrative stud breeding field - which was previously the domain of white commercial farmers.

MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Desbo Mohono said the department was pleased by the passion and successes of young farmers like Dr Mfikoe. "They are contributing meaningfully to the department's vision of shaping the agricultural sector towards prosperity," said the MEC.

MEC Mohono said she was encouraged by black and young farmers' realisation of the abundant opportunities that exist in the sector, as well as the efforts being made to prove their worth in the competitive field of stud breeding.