The Tlhokomela Mobu farm near Radium in Limpopo is managed by Anderson Mutasa and a team, including Hendrik O’Neal and Sally, with their dedicated workers. Their holistic, nature-based approach, which maintains a healthy balance between livestock and the ecosystem, has demonstrated that regenerative farming can be both economically and ecologically viable, even on smaller land parcels.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Mutasa explained how high-density grazing has allowed them to farm a mere 60 hectares intensively with cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens. In part 1 of this article, he focused on the role of the cattle and sheep.
Pigs: Nature’s tillers
The pigs enter the paddocks approximately seven to 10 days after the cattle have moved through. “Pigs are nature’s perfect tillers,” Anderson says.
“Their natural rooting behaviour brings air into the soil, incorporates organic matter, and accelerates the breakdown of manure from previous animals in the rotation.” The farm strategically uses the pigs’ rooting behaviour for specific projects, such as clearing invasive plants or preparing areas for future planting. “Instead of bringing in tractors or herbicides, we use the pigs’ instincts to our advantage,” says Anderson. “They do the work willingly while providing pork as a by-product of land regeneration.”
The pigs are primarily heritage breeds and crosses that thrive in outdoor environments. Unlike in commercial operations, these pigs exhibit their natural behaviours by digging for roots, grubs, and seeds, effectively turning the top layers of soil without the use of fossil fuel-powered equipment.
Chickens: The Cleanup Crew
The final act in this choreographed rotation belongs to the chickens and follows the pigs approximately five to seven days after the swine are released. “Chickens are excellent at fly control,” notes Anderson. “They consume fly larvae in the manure, breaking pest cycles naturally. They also scratch and distribute manure across a wider area, preventing nutrient concentration that could lead to runoff during heavy rains.”
Also watch: Regenerative farming series – Episode 1
“Chickens are the sanitation department,” Anderson laughs. “They scratch through remaining manure, spreading it further while consuming insects, larvae, and seeds.” Mobile boxes allow chickens to lay eggs safely as they move around the farm from paddock to paddock. The chickens’ scratching behaviour further incorporates organic matter into the top layer of the soil. At the same time, their manure, which is high in nitrogen, provides yet another nutrient profile to the developing soil ecology. The farm uses a mix of hardy indigenous breeds that forage actively and demonstrate natural predator avoidance behaviours.
A Model for South Africa’s Future
As climate variability increases and input costs rise, Tlhokomela Mobu Farm presents a compelling alternative to traditional farming. By collaborating with natural processes rather than opposing them, Anderson and his team show how even small land plots can be regenerative, productive, and profitable.
At Tlhokomela Mobu Farm, the integrated animal system demonstrates nature’s perfect harmony in action. Animals serve various holistic functions, including creating natural firebreaks by intensively grazing boundary areas. This holistic approach mimics natural ecosystems, where different species work together to maintain balanced and productive veld.
Anderson and his team hope their model of regenerative agriculture will inspire other farmers in South Africa to adopt methods that are not only economically sustainable but help build resilience against climate challenges while promoting healthier ecosystems.
