Perseverance pays off for Otjozondjupa farmers

JEFTA AND MELANIE TJIRAMBA are part-time livestock farmers in Grootfontein, Otjozondjupa region. They farm with cattle, goats, and sheep, and produce beef and mutton for small-scale markets. They do auctions as well.

The Tjirambas established Jefmel Farming in 2010 with only 10 heads of cattle (Simbras), 15 goats (Boer goats), and five sheep (crossbreed of Dorper and Van Rooy).

The couple came from a farming background and spent most of their childhood on the farm with their grandparents.

“Each of us learned a lot from our grandparents. We witnessed how farming contributes to the wellbeing of many people, such as financial stability, food aid, and our country’s economy. Our upbringing on the farm developed a passion for farming in us. Farming contributed positively towards our character building. It made us more patient, disciplined, and self-sustainable,” said Jefta.

Both of them are teachers which helps them to manage the farm during holidays and weekends.

However, their journey was not without challenges. They experienced stock theft, predators attacking their livestock, and a few years of drought. Despite their challenges, the Tjirambas also had some best experiences.

They highlighted their best experiences when they recently introduced a white and red Brahman bulls to their Simbra herd. They look forward to their first offspring(s) in March next year.

In addition, they added a feedlot last year for their small-scale livestock, which yielded impressive results in reaching the target weight from 35kg to 45kg and better.

This has also helped them to minimise livestock loss to predators, especially baby goats.

“Seeing how the livestock has multiplied over the years brings us joy and motivates us to do better, and we look forward to the future,” Jefta noted.

He urged the youth to invest more in farming to reduce the unemployment rate, noting that farming is a fun, exciting business that requires patience and hard work.

“Upcoming farmers should first conduct thorough research on what they want to farm with to avoid disappointments or failed farming,” he advised. - Agribank

Photos: Contributed Couple goals…Jeff and Melanie Tjiramba’s farming operation, which was started in 2010, continues to bear desired results and has been growing from strength to strength.

Production… Above, the Tjiramba family has managed to successfully increase their commercial goat operation over the years from humble beginnings. Left, The introduction of two new Brahman bulls to the Tjiramba family’s Simbra herd has raised optimism for improvement of offspring.