Dr Nicholas Lesia, a medical doctor and farmer from Clocolan near Ficksburg in the Free State, has built his cattle farming enterprise on the foundation of thorough research, quality genetics and continuous learning. What started as a passion project in 2014 has grown into a thriving operation with more than 100 Beefmaster cattle and ambitious plans for stud breeding.

By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming

The Drought that Created an Opportunity

Dr Lesia’s journey began in about 2014, although his interest in cattle farming started brewing years before that. “I always wanted to start but was waiting for the opportunity while doing research on the side, because I believe you have to research fully before starting,” he explains.

The opportunity came during the devastating 2014 drought that hit South African livestock farmers hard. Local farmers found themselves in the difficult position of having to sell cattle to afford feed for the remaining animals. It was during this challenging period that Dr Lesia met with a third-generation local farmer he had been doing research with.

“Shawn Gasson, who is also my mentor, told me that it was a tough year for farmers due to drought, and fodder prices were up. More cattle meant more burden, so he was desperate to sell some,” Dr Lesia recalls. Recognising the opportunity, he made a decisive move. “I saw an opportunity and just said, ‘Why don’t I just start now?’”

Starting with 10 Pregnant Beefmasters

Dr Lesia bought 10 pregnant Beefmaster cattle from the farmer. “I went for Beefmaster because during my research I was impressed by the performances of both the Beefmaster and the Bonsmara, but I personally felt that the Beefmaster had an upper hand. I know some will disagree, but that’s the bias I have through my research.”

However, there was one significant challenge – Dr Lesia didn’t have land. Fortunately, Gasson allowed him to rent space at his farm while he searched for his own land.

Also read: From labourer to team leader: Tebello Christopher Nonyane’s journey at Beefmaster

Learning the Right Way to Farm

Dr Lesia had plans of farming in the commonage area, but a good friend of his, Dr Lerotholi, who is a vet, advised him against this, explaining that his cattle would mix with others. “He said to me: ‘It’s either you do the right thing the right way or you don’t. If you don’t have land of your own, I’m sorry.’”

With his father’s help and contacts, Dr Lesia arranged a meeting with a farmer who had lost almost everything but still had land. “He was kind enough to let me [rent the space]. I can say he really [did me a big favour].” At the same time, Dr Lesia continued to look for land through the municipality.

The Mentor’s Strategic Move

Two weeks after the initial purchase, the seller returned with what Dr Lesia now recognises was a calculated move. “He asked me if I knew it was calving season and that the cows would soon need a bull. He asked if I had money for the bull. I said no, as I had just spent all my money on the 10 cows.”

Unable to afford a bull outright, Dr Lesia accepted a loan of one under strict conditions. “At the end of the breeding period, I was in love with that bull. I then realised [the seller] had tricked me and I ended up buying the bull. But the man continues to be my mentor to this day.”

Dr Lesia later returned to buy 10 more Beefmaster cows from the same farmer, recognising the importance of quality bloodlines for his breeding ambitions.

Why Beefmasters?

Dr Lesia’s choice of Beefmasters stems from both research and personal connection. Growing up in rural areas where “it’s either you grow up on a farm or around cattle”, he had always loved them but had suppressed his passion for years, until proper planning allowed him to farm correctly.

The Beefmaster breed appealed to him because of its unique composition: a combination of Brahman (50%), Hereford (25%) and Shorthorn (25%). “I think this combination made me choose this breed and, apart from that, they are beautiful cattle with a calm temperament. They have the ability to produce high-quality beef under challenging environmental conditions and they are also good and protective mothers.”

Also read: Farmers’ ‘cattle stokvel’ becomes Beefmaster group pilot project

Planning for Stud Breeding Excellence

From the beginning, Dr Lesia planned to become a breeder. He consulted with Beefmaster South Africa during his research to understand exactly what it takes to become a stud breeder.

His medical background gives him an advantage. “[To start with], you should understand genetics. Fortunately I’m in the medical field and genetics is part of my work.” He emphasises the importance of record-keeping – tracking each calf’s parentage, birth weight and weaning weight in an online database accessible to other farmers.

Quality Standards and Investment

Dr Lesia maintains strict standards for his breeding programme. “You don’t just take any bull or cow to breed with. They have to meet certain [criteria]. The ones not meeting standards are sold to feedlots.”

At auctions, he arrives early to carefully evaluate potential purchases, ensuring he introduces new bloodlines to avoid inbreeding while maintaining quality. The investment is substantial – the least expensive bull he has bought at auction cost R67 000. “I’m not regretting the prices I pay for the bulls because every year I see better quality on my farm. It’s worth it.”

He acknowledges the high standards and costs of stud breeding: “The bulls selected for breeding are capable of [establishing a strong foundation for your herd, which can continue to reward you in the future]. The better the bloodline, the more productive your farm will be.”

Despite his success, Dr Lesia remains humble about his journey. “I was properly mentored and even today I continue to be a student. It’s an ongoing learning process.”

Addressing Current Challenges

Regarding the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation affecting livestock farmers across the country, Dr Lesia maintains a measured perspective. “As farmers, we were advised not to panic but to just keep on taking precautionary measures and conform to the regulations such as livestock movement restrictions. The country managed FMD previously, and this too shall pass.”

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