The best and worst of farming
John Venter is a full-time commercial livestock farmer from the Omaheke Region. He studied agriculture from 1981 to 1982, and began farming as a part-time farmer in 1983.
Despite acquiring his farm in 1989, he only ventured into full-time farming in 1991. Venter is a weaner producer specialising in the Simbra breed.
He also owns a few smaller stock. "Having grown up on the farm, I developed a passion for farming, therefore it was only natural for me to venture into farming," he said.
The job has taught him that farming is not a one-man show. As such, he has learned to work together with other farmers and to share knowledge, especially with those who have just started.
"I like to assist other farmers so that they do not make the same mistakes I made when I started. I am passionate about assisting my community," he said.
Tough job
Some of the challenges he has experienced, especially in the early days, were drought, low prices, stock theft, high transport costs, and livestock diseases.
"Currently, there are more slaughter markets compared to when I started farming, hence the low market prices for livestock back in the days," Venter said.
When asked about his best experiences, Venter said producing quality weaners that attracted high prices and sometimes even exceeded market prices, are among his favourite experiences as a farmer.
In addition, the quality infrastructure on his farm, and becoming the experienced farmer he is today, count as highlights of his farming journey.
Work hard
"When you take pride in what you do, it will reflect back on you. In my opinion, farmers' products should market themselves. Your products should be of good quality, so that everyone would want and be willing to buy your products," he said.
"If you like animals, you enjoy being outside, and you are a hard-working person, then agriculture is your business. Farming is not a hobby; it is a business for a hard-working person. There are many opportunities in agriculture, hence farmers need to be ready and grab such opportunities. As a farmer, you need to be financially disciplined. You should avoid reckless spending. Lastly, be willing to learn from other farmers, then you will be successful," he advised.
Despite acquiring his farm in 1989, he only ventured into full-time farming in 1991. Venter is a weaner producer specialising in the Simbra breed.
He also owns a few smaller stock. "Having grown up on the farm, I developed a passion for farming, therefore it was only natural for me to venture into farming," he said.
The job has taught him that farming is not a one-man show. As such, he has learned to work together with other farmers and to share knowledge, especially with those who have just started.
"I like to assist other farmers so that they do not make the same mistakes I made when I started. I am passionate about assisting my community," he said.
Tough job
Some of the challenges he has experienced, especially in the early days, were drought, low prices, stock theft, high transport costs, and livestock diseases.
"Currently, there are more slaughter markets compared to when I started farming, hence the low market prices for livestock back in the days," Venter said.
When asked about his best experiences, Venter said producing quality weaners that attracted high prices and sometimes even exceeded market prices, are among his favourite experiences as a farmer.
In addition, the quality infrastructure on his farm, and becoming the experienced farmer he is today, count as highlights of his farming journey.
Work hard
"When you take pride in what you do, it will reflect back on you. In my opinion, farmers' products should market themselves. Your products should be of good quality, so that everyone would want and be willing to buy your products," he said.
"If you like animals, you enjoy being outside, and you are a hard-working person, then agriculture is your business. Farming is not a hobby; it is a business for a hard-working person. There are many opportunities in agriculture, hence farmers need to be ready and grab such opportunities. As a farmer, you need to be financially disciplined. You should avoid reckless spending. Lastly, be willing to learn from other farmers, then you will be successful," he advised.
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