Balancing Grain, Cattle and Risk: A Conversation with Thabang Hlabedi скачать в хорошем качестве

Balancing Grain, Cattle and Risk: A Conversation with Thabang Hlabedi

We visited the Vaal area in Gauteng at Ba Kwa Hlabedi Farm, where we spent time with second-generation farmer Thabang Hlabedi. Thabang farms alongside his mother, Pinky Hlabedi, continuing a family legacy built on grain production and Bonsmara cattle. He spoke to Ama Fama about his journey into agriculture, the realities of taking over responsibilities on the farm from his mother, and their shared vision for the future of the operation. A key focus of the discussion was livestock theft and bio-security, two major challenges facing South Africa’s agricultural sector. Thabang shared practical insights into how these risks affect farmers and the measures he has put in place to protect his livestock and ensure sustainability. While Thabang is primarily involved with the cattle enterprise, he also oversees the grain production, with Pinky managing the farm’s finances. It was an inspiring and insightful visit that highlighted resilience, family partnership, and forward-thinking farming.