'Hard work pays off'

Oliver and Conny Kayser are part-time boer goat stud breeders in the Omaruru district who believe that by starting small, you can slowly grow a quality herd.According to Agribank, both Oliver and Conny grew up on farms when they were young.Conny’s parents were in the commercial goat farming industry for 40 years. Oliver grew up on a farm with his grandparents.However, their stud-breeding journey as a couple started 13 years ago with goats.“It took us some time to start our boer goat stud breeding business. When we started, there were no stud breeders in the Omaruru District. We were the first.”Ever since, their business has grown and is now flourishing.Good for growthAgribank says that the couple supplies quality boer goat studs to the local and Zambian markets.They said that farming has contributed positively to their character – they say it has taught them to be more patient.Among the challenges they face are droughts and unskilled workers.As such, they have prioritised training of employees, because they believe that one cannot successfully run a farming business if a team is not skilled."Our team plays a very important role in our farming business. That is why we had to put in the effort to train them."The bank says that they manage their own business exceptionally well, even while they are not on the farm, and that they have complete trust in their employees.Happy customersSome of their best experiences on their farming journey have been the positive feedback from their buyers.The couple said that they sell to many communal farmers who buy their stud goats to improve their herds.They said they feel a sense of great satisfaction when buyers provide them with positive feedback – months or years later – that the stud goats bought from them have improved the buyers’ herds.According to the bank, that is an indication that they are doing something right.They also manage WhatsApp groups to provide advice and mentorship to emerging and experienced farmers.“It is a great feeling to know that people value our advice.”To this end, they advise those who wish to pursue farming to go for it.“If you have a goal or vision in life, go for it. Secondly make sure that you also educate or train yourself. There is enough information on farming out there. Also start small and slowly grow your quality herd by introducing one quality ram once a year or the second year. Lastly remember that hard work does pay off,” they said.

'Hard work pays off'

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Namibian Sun 2022-09-25

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'Hard work pays off'

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Namibian Sun 2022-09-25

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