In Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, Carl Phiri tends to his small-scale piggery with the dedication of someone who has learnt that success comes not from shortcuts but from persistence, patience and an unwavering commitment to learning.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Carl’s story is not one of overnight success, but rather a testament to the power of determination in the face of agricultural challenges. Five years ago, when he first ventured into pig farming, Carl could not have imagined the journey that lay ahead. Those early years were marked by trial and error, setbacks that might have discouraged a less determined farmer and the slow accumulation of knowledge that can only come from hands-on experience.
“Experience has been my teacher,” Carl reflects, and indeed it has been his most valuable instructor. Carl’s education came from the fields, the pens and the countless hours spent observing, learning and adapting. He also sought guidance from experienced local farmers who had walked this path before him, and he learnt to figure out techniques on his own through careful observation and experimentation.
Mastering The Art Of Pig Farming
Carl maintains a carefully selected breeding stock consisting of four females and one male, with his focus centred on two specific breeds: Large Whites and Durocs. Carl has developed a crossbreeding strategy that capitalises on the best characteristics of each breed. The Large Whites bring impressive litter sizes to his breeding programme, ensuring good productivity, and the Durocs contribute superior meat quality and faster growth rates. This thoughtful combination allows Carl to offer his customers the best of both worlds. He also likes both breeds for their calm temperament. Carl adds that to maintain the quality of the Duroc breed, he uses only Duroc boars and Duroc sows.
His commitment to modern farming practices is evident in his use of artificial insemination, particularly for his Large White sows. This technique requires extensive knowledge of reproductive cycles, heat detection and timing, skills that Carl has painstakingly developed over his years of operation. It reflects not only technical proficiency but also a commitment to innovation and best practices in the care of his animals and the growth of his business.
Currently, Carl’s operation includes 15 pure Large White piglets alongside 12 crossbred piglets that represent the fruits of his strategic breeding programme. These animals are being carefully raised and fattened in preparation for the December selling season, when demand typically peaks and Carl can achieve the best prices for his hard work.
As we continue our conversation, Carl points out the growth rates he’s achieving with his pigs. His two-month-old piglets already weigh 25kg, which he considers exceptional progress for animals that age. Even more impressive are his four-month-old pigs, which have reached a live weight of 76kg, demonstrating the effectiveness of his feeding programme and care. These weight milestones reflect Carl’s meticulous attention to his animals’ development and his understanding that consistent, healthy growth is the foundation of a profitable pig-farming operation.
Navigating Challenges And Building Success
The challenges Carl faces are as real as his successes. Infrastructure remains a constant concern, with his current facilities requiring upgrades to reduce the labour-intensive nature of his daily operations and to create optimal conditions for his animals. In Mpumalanga’s warm climate, water emerges as perhaps the most critical resource. Carl has learnt that large pigs can consume up to 25 litres of water daily, making reliable water access even more crucial than feed for proper growth and health.
Vision For Tomorrow
These challenges, however, have not dimmed Carl’s vision for the future. His aspirations extend well beyond his current setup, encompassing plans for expanded operations, upgraded infrastructure and the implementation of modern systems including flushing facilities and enhanced water delivery systems. He’s seeking government support for these improvements, demonstrating his proactive approach to business development and his commitment to scaling his operations sustainably.
