By Maile Matsimela
The demand for goat meat is growing and when deciding to farm goats, it is important to choose the correct goat breed for your farming operation and location.
Luckily, goats are found in all provinces of South Africa with the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal producing about 70% of the country’s goats, meaning most goat breeds are adaptable to the conditions across the country.
Last year, The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) reported data from various sources showing there are 7.8 million goats in South Africa of which 7 million are meat goats and 830 000 Mohair goats. A further 1.8 million of these are in commercial herds and just over 6 million in informal/communal herds.
Further good news is that almost every region of South Africa is appropriate for goat farming. This is mainly because most goat breeds are low maintenance and can easily adapt to a variety of weather conditions. However, states the report, Gauteng seems to be less favourable, given that it lacks the veld resources and fodder necessary to support big goat populations.
South Africa has a diverse landscape and climate, which makes it suitable for goat farming in various regions. The suitability of an area for goat production depends on factors like climate, vegetation, water availability and infrastructure.
Here are some regions in South Africa that are generally considered suitable for goat farming:
EASTERN CAPE: This province has a diverse climate with coastal areas, grasslands and semi-arid regions, making it suitable for various goat breeds. The Eastern Cape is known for its commercial and small-scale goat farming operations.
WESTERN CAPE: The Western Cape offers a Mediterranean climate in some areas, which is favourable for goat farming. The province has a mix of commercial and small-scale goat farming enterprises.
NORTHERN CAPE: The arid and semi-arid regions of the Northern Cape are well-suited for hardy goat breeds that are adapted to drought conditions. These areas often practice extensive grazing.
FREE STATE: Parts of the Free State have good grazing lands and a climate that supports goat farming. It is known for its meat production, including goat meat.
KWAZULU-NATAL: The coastal regions and the midlands of KZN offer favourable conditions for goat farming. The province has a mix of commercial and subsistence goat farming.
LIMPOPO: Limpopo has a variety of climatic zones, making it suitable for different goat breeds. It is known for both meat and milk production from goats.
MPUMALANGA: Parts of Mpumalanga, with its diverse topography, can support goat farming. Farmers in this province often focus on meat production.
GAUTENG: While Gauteng is highly urbanised, there are peri-urban and rural areas where goat farming is practiced. These areas often cater to local markets.
NORTH-WEST: This province has both arid and high-rainfall areas, making it suitable for various goat farming practices, including commercial and communal farming.
MPUMALANGA: This province has regions with favourable climates and vegetation for goat farming. It is known for both meat and milk production from goats.
It is important to note that within each province, there can be significant microclimatic variations, so the suitability of specific areas for goat farming may vary. Local factors like soil quality, water availability and market access also play a crucial role in determining the success of goat farming in a particular area. Prospective goat farmers should conduct a thorough feasibility study and consult with local agricultural authorities to identify the most suitable locations for their specific goals and resources.
Also read:
Boer goat ewe steals spotlight at national auction
The Blackberry – a new goat breed and new opportunities
Farming with Boer goats: A guide to South Africa’s top meat breed
