HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

Producers generating high profits from goat farming Producers generating low profits from goat farming These producers farm with their goats. These producers just have goats. They are focused on the future of their goat business. Not focused on the future of their business. The producer makes use of scientific practices and bases their management on these practices. These producers make use of ineffective management practices, which are based on either what they read on social media or practices that date back to what their ancestors did. Makes use of new technology and stays in the loop with his advisors and scientific improvements. Stagnant and does not bother to catch up with the latest technology or improvements. These producers have a strict budget that is planned out in advance. No budget in place and does not plan. They look at the practices and systems of the top goat breeders/farmers and apply these strategies. The only way they learn is through their own mistakes. This is costly and wastes time. Takes an holistic approach paired with creative ideas. Manage every aspect of the system separately and have no bright ideas when they need to adapt. They measure their production and try to improve these figures every year. Do not measure production. These producers know exactly how much it costs them to produce a kilogram of meat. Informative decisions are made based on recordkeeping. While no measurements are taken, these producers do not know what the cost is to produce a kilogram of meat. Decisions are made based on incorrect information. Table 1: The difference between a high-profit goat farmer versus a low-profit goat farmer Table 2: The economic traits of goats that should be set as goals Economic traits of goats Description Meat quality Goats produce tasty meat, which is low in cholesterol. Adaptability and hardiness Goats are known to be hardy animals that can easily adapt to a variety of environments. High resistance against illness Goats are hardy against most illnesses here in South Africa. High fertility and lambing rate Meat goats are not too seasonal breeders and will easily reach lambing rates of between 150% to 180%. High milk yields and quality Goats are known to raise twins without any trouble and have excellent motherly instincts. Longevity Goats will be profitable for up to 10 years of age. This reduces the number of replacement ewes needed. Browsing and grazing ability Goats have bipedal abilities, which enable them to reach more feed. Goats consume a variety of roughages that other livestock won’t necessarily consume. Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 48