By Talitha Janse van Vuuren, Multi-media Editor at African Farming
At 03:20 every morning, while most people are still asleep, Mphathi Zulu is already awake. By 04:00, the first cows are in the milking parlour. At just 21 years old, Zulu is part of a production team responsible for milking about 1 400 dairy cows daily – work that demands discipline, consistency and constant attention to animal health.
Cattle Health and Production Realities
Zulu works in dairy production at Just Milk, a commercial dairy operation in the northern regions of the Eastern Cape. He joined the company in January 2025, moving directly into employment after completing his studies. He studied at the Cedara College of Agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal, where he obtained a diploma in agriculture. The milking platform covers just over 400ha, with the rest of the farm extending further.
He describes farming as simple yet complex. “At the end of the day, it’s me, the cows and the grass,” he says – a statement that captures both the simplicity of the system and the responsibility it carries.
In dairy farming, routine is non-negotiable. Cows rely on consistency, and production depends on timing, observation and early intervention. Much of Zulu’s work centres on identifying health issues during milking.
One of the most common challenges in dairy cattle is mastitis, an inflammation of the udder that affects milk quality and cow comfort. For those working in the milking parlour, early detection is critical. Changes in milk appearance, reduced yield or signs of discomfort are often the first indicators.
Zulu emphasises the importance of timely diagnosis. The earlier mastitis is identified, the better the outcome for the animal and the production system. When cows are treated, milk is withheld from the supply chain for a strict withdrawal period to ensure food safety. This practice aligns with international dairy safety standards, such as those outlined by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), which notes that milk safety relies on proper hygiene, animal health monitoring and adherence to withdrawal times.
Beyond day-to-day herd health, dairy farmers also operate under the pressure of broader disease risks. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), although it is not currently affecting the farm he works on directly, has indirect impacts across the industry. Biosecurity measures – including restricted access, sanitation protocols and movement controls – are costly, but essential. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) emphasises that prevention and biosecurity are crucial effective tools to limit the spread of FMD.
From Zulu’s perspective, prevention is vital. Implementing biosecurity measures, even when costly, is far preferable to dealing with a direct outbreak. Maintaining a positive and compliant attitude, he says, is part of protecting not only individual farms but also the industry as a whole.
The Human Behind the Routine
What stands out most about Zulu is the scale of responsibility he carries, as well as how young he is while carrying it.
His days start early, are physically demanding and require mental focus. When asked how he copes with the routine, his response is straightforward: Drink your coffee and get on with it. Dairy farming does not wait for motivation.
He lives by three principles that guide his work and personal growth:
- Dream big: Let your dreams scare you, and don’t let them just remain dreams;
- Respect people: The industry is built on relationships, and respect is how you maintain them; and
- Always do your best: Even when no one is watching, consistency is what builds results.
Respect, he emphasises, applies across the board – to colleagues, management and the work itself. Although he does not currently own a farm, he sees working for a company as an important stage of learning. The experience, exposure and responsibility are shaping his understanding of the industry from the ground up.
Zulu is clear that progress in agriculture takes time. Growth is slow, built over years of learning, patience and consistency. His advice to young people considering agriculture is honest: You must love the industry. Farming demands commitment, and without genuine passion, the long hours and responsibility quickly become overwhelming.
Zulu is currently doing an advanced diploma in agricultural management through UNISA and is committed to growing both academically and practically on the farm. His ambition is simple yet powerful. “If you close your eyes and think of a dairy farmer,” he says, “I want to be the person you think of.” Not for recognition, but for competence – someone who understands the system, respects the work and represents the industry well.
For now, that journey continues before sunrise in the Eastern Cape, where experience is earned one early morning at a time.
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