Gauteng farmers sought for Nguni cattle breeding project

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In partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation, the Nguni cattle breeding project involves the loaning of 30 pregnant Nguni heifers and one bull to emerging black farmers for breeding.

After a period of five years, participating farmers are expected to return the same amount of cattle, offspring or an equivalent rand value.

This is the second intake of qualifying black farmers who want to form part of the project in Gauteng. The main objective of this project is to reintroduce the Nguni breed of cattle into the province in large numbers, focusing specifically on emerging black farmers. The project is aimed at empowering these farmers with livestock farming skills and developing their entrepreneurship abilities.

The Nguni cattle have been chosen specifically because they are an indigenous breed and can thrive under difficult conditions.

Qualifying for the project

The criteria to participate in the project includes providing proof of being South African citizens and residing in the Gauteng province. The applicants must be "black" as defined in the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003.

Any applicant already owning cattle, must provide a health certificate issued by the local veterinarian with particular emphasis on the bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis status of the existing herd.

Applicants must provide proof of having access to land suitable for cattle farming, a minimum of 500 hectares in size, with sufficient grazing as per carrying capacity of the land and the expansion of the herd.

The aforementioned land must be improved with basic infrastructure - for instance, perimeter and internal fences, suitable handling facilities, adequate water facilities, dipping facilities, feeding equipment for supplements and camps

Applications close on 30 June 2015. Farmers can visit www.gdard.gpg.gov.za for application forms.