Those who grew up herding cattle know the feeling all too well – that deep connection to the animals that never really leaves you. For Mr JN Galane from Ga-Mashashane in Limpopo, this bond would prove stronger than even the heartbreak of theft.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Like many children in Limpopo’s villages, Galane spent his youth herding cattle. That early love for livestock followed him into adulthood, where he eventually bought his first herd and started farming properly. But then disaster struck – thieves made off with all his cattle.
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“Luckily, I managed to recover all of them within a week,” Galane recalls. The experience shook him so much that he decided to sell the entire herd. But as any cattle farmer will tell you, once you have that bug, it never really goes away.
Back to the Land
After retiring from his career in Human Resources management and serving as a local councillor, Galane found himself drawn back to farming in 2010. This time, he chose white Brahman cattle – his “white gold” as he fondly calls them.
The choice of Brahmans wasn’t random. “When you get into commercial farming, you have to choose a breed that suits your area, but most importantly, one that will fetch you good prices at the market,” he explains.
Ga-Mashashane doesn’t lack grazing camps, especially for big feeders like Brahman cattle. But Galane learned an important lesson during the previous year’s drought when many local farmers lost cattle: supplementation is no longer optional.
“The days of just keeping cattle and hoping they’ll multiply without buying feed and medication are over,” he says firmly. “One mistake and you could lose everything – all your efforts for the year gone.”
Infrastructure Investment
Galane’s commitment to modern cattle farming extends to the infrastructure he’s built on his farm. His kraal has been carefully designed to incorporate cattle dipping facility, allowing him to stick to his own dipping schedule rather than relying on communal facilities. “Having your own dipping facility means you can treat your cattle when they need it, not when it’s convenient for others,” he explains. To ensure his herd has access to fresh, sufficient water daily, Galane also invested in drilling a borehole. This reliable water source has proven invaluable, especially during dry spells when other farmers struggle with water shortages. “These infrastructure investments might seem costly upfront, but they’ve given me better control over my cattle’s health and productivity.”
Lessons from the Drought
While other farmers in the area lost cattle during the drought, Galane’s herd survived intact. “Mine survived because I bought feed to supplement them, and I didn’t lose a single one. It saved me from a much bigger loss.”
His approach goes beyond just keeping cattle alive. Galane also grows maize on his communal farm, which helps supplement his cattle feed and reduces costs.
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Smart Farming in Tough Times
The threat of theft remains real, but Galane has adapted his strategy. “Because of theft, I avoid keeping a large herd. Farmers should learn to sell from time to time to avoid heart attacks when their entire herd disappears.”
He farms specifically for the auction market, raising calves to a certain age before selling them. This regular turnover helps manage risk while maintaining profitability.
However, the Ga-Mashashane community hasn’t just accepted theft as part of life either. Cattle farmers in the area have organised themselves to fight back. They’ve developed communication systems to quickly spread word when thieves strike, often surrounding and outnumbering criminals before they can escape.
Embracing Technology
Galane appreciates technological advancement in farming and plans to use artificial insemination to cross his Brahman heifers with Bonsmara bulls. He’s confident the crossbred calves will thrive, especially with proper supplementation. This forward-thinking approach reflects his belief that modern farming requires both traditional knowledge and new methods.
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Breaking Historical Barriers
Galane remembers the restrictions that once limited black farmers to keeping no more than five cattle. “Back then, I had to look for a job to sustain my family because of those laws,” he reflects. His journey from HR manager to councillor to successful cattle farmer represents the opportunities now available to previously disadvantaged farmers.
Advice for the Next Generation
Despite the challenges such as drought, theft, and the costs of modern farming, Galane encourages young people who love farming to pursue it. “They can contribute to food security in our country,” he says.
His story proves that with determination, smart management, and community support, farming can still be both profitable and fulfilling. For those with cattle in their blood, like Mr Galane, there’s always a way back to the land.
