Die Ekonomie van Veeboerdery
Most livestock farmers have a passion for animal husbandry, farming in general, and livestock specifically. However, it requires an in-depth understanding of the economic factors that are the foundation upon which a livestock farming operation is built that will ensure success and sustainability. Without an understanding of the markets, their price cycles, consumer preferences, and business in general, the Boer Goat farmer will not have a viable nor profitable business.
This Economics of Livestock Farming course will provide the farmer with an understanding of the economic factors that are vitally important in making a success of his business. Farming is a demanding occupation. It is capital intensive, generally has a low return on fixed investment, has a long period before financial breakeven is achieved and is subject to the vagaries of the climate, over which the farmer has no influence. In addition, the agricultural sector is a price taker not a price maker. It requires dedication, perseverance, a hands-on approach, significant skill and experience in order to achieve success.
The objective for the commercial Boer Goat farmer is to sustainably produce the maximum kilograms of meat per hectare, in the shortest time possible, with the lowest possible input costs. The Boer Goat is eminently suited to this role, requiring minimal input costs due to its hardiness and adaptability, while providing high growth rates and carrying significant meat on the frame.
In this course we will discuss the conformation, visual characteristics and other physiological aspects of the Boer Goat and why these all play a role in determining the functional efficiency of these animals. It may seem that these visual characteristics have been arbitrarily set, yet each of these has an important role to play in the functional efficiency, adaptability, hardiness and ultimately, the profitability of the Boer Goat for the farmer.
