02 May 2022

Organisers of Sunday’s small stock auction sale in Khawa have been advised to intensify its promotion.

In an interview after the auction on Sunday,  President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi urged organisers to promote it in order to attract farmers countrywide.

Promotion of the auction sale would afford farmers from all corners of country the opportunity to benchmark on small stock production, he said.

Though the first auction to be conducted during the Khawa Dune Challenge, Dr Masisi expressed gratitude at the manner in which it was conducted.

He praised the organisers and farmers for making the event a success by bringing in quality breeds that would ‘catch farmers’ eyes.’

 President Masisi implored communities to support Kgalagadi small stock farmers in their efforts to increase production.

Pointing out that government had launched a small stock meat production drive,  he implored farmers to venture into the business. 

 Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao lauded established small stock farmers in Kgalagadi for their perseverence. 

He urged aspiring farmers to work with their established counterparts to upgrade their stock.

Mr Molao encouraged those who did not make any sales during the auction not to despair  but to remain resolute. 

Farmers were encouraged to support the still under construction Tsabong multi species abattoir to ensure its sustainability.

One of the farmers, 28-year-old Mr Kedikopile Velskoen expressed gratitude for having participated in the auction sale. 

He revealed that he had sold five studs and one buck. 

Mr Velskoen said he was currently using the free range system and looked forward to  owning a ranch where he could upgrade his stock.He encouraged the youth to take farming seriously to earn a living. ends