02 Mar 2022

Lobu Smallstock ranch fence is in a fair condition, but needs maintenance, Parliament has heard.

Responding to a question in Parliament on March 1, agricultural development and food security assistant minister, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi said a total of 28 paddocks ranging from 62 to 589 hectares were destroyed by veld fires in 2021. 

“My ministry is in the process of acquiring funds to carry out renovations of both the perimeter fence and the paddocks. 

Currently, the fences are repaired in phases by the internal fence erectors,” Mr Molebatsi said.

He also indicated that Lobu Farm, which is 10 300ha with 40 paddocks, operated two enterprises of stud breeding and commercial flock production in different paddocks, adding that all the paddocks were fully utilised on a rotational basis despite the poor condition of the fences.

He also noted that the carrying capacity of the farm was compromised due to the nature of its vegetation. 

Mr Molebatsi also told Parliament that the farm had been identified as a Centre for Excellence for the commercialisation of the smallstock industry. 

“My ministry is in the process of improving livestock productivity at the farm, which entails expansion of existing production enterprises among others. Therefore, there are no paddocks available that can be leased out to youth due to the envisaged expansion,” he added.

Kgalagadi South Member of Parliament, Mr Sam Brooks had asked the minister if he was aware of the status of Lobu farm fence and what was being done about it.

MP Brooks also wanted to know the farm size and the number of paddocks as well as how many were fully utilised.

He further wanted to know if there were any plans to lease out those that were not used to small farmers or youth. ends