Starting a farm is no small endeavour, and for new farmers, laying a strong foundation is essential for long-term success. Duncan Serapelwane, owner of Moalosi Bonsmara in Morokweng, North West, and agent at André Kock & Son auction house, offers top tips for emerging farmers in South Africa.

According to Serapelwane, farming is a slow yet sure business, and he urges new entrants to approach the journey with clarity and commitment. From selecting the right focus to avoiding common pitfalls, he provides invaluable guidance on how emerging farmers can set themselves up for success.

Decide your focus area

Serapelwane says one of the first steps for any new farmer is deciding what kind of farming they want to pursue.

“Young farmers must decide what exactly they want to do; whether it’s small-stock farming, large stock, crop farming or even something like chicken or fish farming,” he says.

He encourages aspiring farmers to conduct a “visibility study,” spending time with established farmers in various industries to get a feel for each field.

“Visit a livestock farmer and a crop farmer, and decide which of all this is your line. Once you’ve decided, go further and choose specifics, such as the breed or type that aligns with your budget and goals.”

For Serapelwane, farming success hinges on mental preparation and personal investment. “This isn’t quick business, and you shouldn’t come into it with unrealistic expectations. Invest in yourself, in knowledge, and in planning,” he says.

He adds that farming isn’t a business where many handouts are available. “People often think government will just hand out resources or money, but that’s not the case. It’s up to you to invest in education and plan well,” he says.

Avoid common pitfalls

According to Serapelwane, many emerging farmers make the mistake of expecting financial support without focusing on self-reliance.

“A lot of people think there are handouts in farming. They also tend to politicise the industry,” he says. While staying aware of the broader economic and political context is essential, Serapelwane emphasises the importance of personal effort and resilience.

“Yes, others might have had an easier time starting, but hard work is critical. Set yourself a high standard and preplan everything carefully.”

Serapelwane aslo mentions the need to understand the natural environment, including climate, grass species, and water availability.

“Before technology [can be considered], the essentials are nature: climate, grass, and water. You must know the climatic conditions of your area, the rainfall patterns, and the types of grass.

“Farming with nature is fundamental. Technology can come later, but first, farm with nature,” he says.

Prioritise budgeting and financial planning

According to Serapelwane, budgeting is vital for a new farm’s success.

“In farming, everything you do should be a need, not a want. Don’t get into farming because you want to buy a new car or because someone else sold a bull for a high price. Stick to what’s necessary,” he says.

He suggests budgeting according to seasonal changes, noting that costs are higher during dry seasons and can be reduced in wetter months.

He also warns against overspending on unnecessary products, for example, purchasing multiple treatments when one product will suffice.

“Be cautious when listening to sales pitches. Remember, not every salesperson who visits your farm has your best interests at heart; they’re after their own profits,” he says.

Choose equipment wisely

When it comes to equipment, Serapelwane says weighing the benefits of buying versus leasing is based on individual financial capacity. “It depends on your financial muscle and the assistance you can get. For those just starting, communal or open fields may be an economical option.

“I come from a traditional farming [background] and it worked for us. Starting on communal land, building your stock, and only investing in land or equipment later is a sensible approach,” he says.

Commit to soil health

Even livestock farmers should prioritise soil health, says Serapelwane, as soil quality impacts the land’s carrying capacity.

“For crop farming, soil testing is essential every season, but even in livestock farming, resting the soil is important to allow microbial life to thrive and native grasses to grow back.

“Resting the land periodically brings back grasses and shrubs that may not otherwise appear, increasing the area’s biodiversity,” he says.

Farm sustainably

According to Serapelwane, sustainability is key to affordable and effective farming practices.

“Avoid pampering your animals with unnecessary products,” he says.

He recalls Prof Jan Bonsma’s philosophy on livestock, advocating for minimal intervention and medicine, focusing instead on breeding cattle adapted to the local environment.

“If an animal can’t survive in your environment, rather sell it instead of trying to keep it alive unnaturally. This approach keeps costs down and makes farming sustainable,” he says.

Permits and regulatory compliance

Emerging farmers must also be aware of regulatory requirements, especially for transporting livestock and high-value animals.

“If you’re buying a bull, whether it’s for R40 000 or R100 000, proper transport permits are crucial,” he says.

He adds that complying with health and transport regulations is essential for both animal welfare and legal protection.

Branding and identification

Serapelwane stresses the significance of timely branding and identification of livestock.

“Farmers often cry that the police aren’t doing anything when livestock are stolen, but they overlook their own role in proper identification,” Serapelwane says.

Branding, ear notching, and tattooing are critical measures that make it easier to identify animals if they’re stolen or lost.

“When a calf is born, it should immediately be ear-notched and tattooed,” he says. This practice not only aids in loss prevention but also establishes accountability and responsibility for each farmer.

Practising biosecurity and disease prevention

Biosecurity is another crucial element that Serapelwane advises emerging farmers to take seriously, especially at a time like this, when diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and Rift Valley fever pose significant risks.

“Even in a small kraal, practising biosecurity is vital,” he says.

Preventing the spread of disease protects the herd and reduces costly health interventions.
“A healthy animal is a productive one,” says Serapelwane, reminding farmers that proactive measures can prevent future losses and ensure long-term sustainability.

Building a financially responsible foundation

Financial management is a cornerstone for success, and Serapelwane urges new farmers to cultivate good financial habits from the start.

“One of my mentors taught me early on to keep every invoice. Those invoices become your spending pattern, which financial institutions look for if you ever seek funding,” he says.

By tracking monthly expenses and maintaining a clear financial record, farmers can present themselves as responsible borrowers, enhancing their chances of securing loans.

He also mentions that while some banks may be keen on supporting emerging farmers, they require clear spending records to gauge lending risk.

“They won’t lend you money based purely on demographics. They need proof of responsibility,” he says.

Serapelwane shares how he structured his own payments around his breeding cycle, which provides annual rather than monthly income.

“My mentor guided me to align my loan payments with my cows’ breeding cycle, allowing me to repay when I have income,” he says, adding that aligning loan terms with income cycles is crucial for financial stability.

Embracing technology mindfully

While technology is an essential tool for modern farming, Serapelwane cautions against becoming over reliant on it.

“Technology is a key component, but don’t use it to sit back and manage from afar,” he says.

He uses technology to monitor animals and identify threats, such as tracking when predators visit his water sources. From drones that enable efficient pesticide application to monitoring devices that assist with herd management, technology saves both time and resources.

But as Serapelwane puts it, “technology should complement natural farming practices, not replace them”.

Building market presence through quality

According to Serapelwane, building a market doesn’t begin at the marketplace, but on the farm.

“A quality bull gives quality calves, which then give quality heifers. When you focus on quality from the ground up, the market will sort itself out,” he says.

This approach ensures that only high-quality livestock enter the market, minimising complaints and enhancing the farmer’s reputation.

Adapting to climate change and managing risk

In light of the fact that South Africa is prone to drought, Serapelwane says it is important to have sustainable grazing practices.

“Overgrazing leads to animals becoming susceptible to diseases,” he says.

For him, veld resting, rotational grazing, and debushing are essential.

“Drought will always be there, but quality management will shield you from its harshest impacts,” he states. By managing the land and livestock carefully, farmers can mitigate the effects of drought and create a resilient farm ecosystem.

Serapelwane’s advice on branding, biosecurity, financial management, and resilience in the face of climate challenges presents a comprehensive guide for any farmer looking to establish a successful, sustainable operation.

He concludes with words of hope for South Africa’s new generation of farmers: “If they learn from others and adopt good practices, they’ll not only improve their businesses but also contribute to the community. That’s what it’s all about.”