Francois Swart, a Consulting Engineer realised his wish in 2003 by purchasing commercial Bonsmara cows and heifers from several Bonsmara breeders, and settled them on Uitduiker farm in the Northam district. The farm of 1800 ha was enlarged to 4000 ha in 2013, with the purchase of two adjacent farms. To boost the herd expansion, 53 heifers were purchased at the Jacusta sale auction this year. Exotic game is bred on a separate farm Zwartdoorns, of 1400 ha.

Although Francois initially only wanted to farm commercially, he quickly realised that you have to measure to know. Soon Francois also realised that there is not much merit in measuring yourself against yourself. To realise his dream and to establish an outstanding cow herd, he realised that he would have to measure himself against the national Bonsmara herd, and therefore he made the leap at the beginning of 2007 to join Bonsmara SA.

By its very nature, cattle farming is a long-term investment, yet one can make rapid progress by setting breeding goals, applying strict selection standards, and optimising the environment through tools such as good pasture, health, and supplementation management.

Francois and his team are grateful to fulfill his dream in this way, to be part of the Bonsmara family, and to be able to experience our heavenly Father’s grace!