At just 21 years old, Euphros Rametsi is already laying the foundation for a future in livestock farming – balancing his studies with hands-on experience on his family’s farm in Winterveld, north of Pretoria.
By Talitha Janse van Vuuren, multimedia editor at African Farming
Raised in a farming household, Rametsi was introduced to agriculture from an early age. His father played a central role in shaping his understanding of the industry, with practical learning forming the backbone of his journey.
“I was born into a farming family,” he says. “My father is the one who started farming, so I just followed what he does and learnt from him.”
Although farming had always been around him, Rametsi decided to pursue it himself at the age of 15, inspired by other farmers and mentors who encouraged him to take it seriously. What began as exposure through family gradually became something more personal – a path he chose to follow for himself.
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Learning While Building
Today, Rametsi is a first-year student at an agricultural college, where he is expanding his knowledge of the sector while continuing to gain practical experience back home.
During the week, he focuses on his studies and on weekends he returns to the farm to stay involved in daily operations, monitor livestock and keep records. This balance between theory and practice allows him to continuously grow his understanding of farming from both perspectives.
“It’s always good to learn from others,” he says. “You learn different techniques and you can decide what works best for you.”
His interest in agriculture continues to expand, and he is already looking beyond his current livestock operation. He has expressed interest in adding poultry to his farming activities in the future – particularly broilers and layers – as part of a broader vision to diversify and grow.
A Focus on Livestock and the Market
The farm focuses on Bonsmara cattle and Boer goats – two breeds selected with both practicality and market demand in mind.
For Rametsi, Boer goats stand out because of their strong market appeal.
“Everyone wants a Boer goat nowadays,” he explains, highlighting how customer demand has shaped their decision-making.
Although the farm has also worked with other breeds such as Kalahari and Savanna goats, Boer goats have proven to be the most profitable because of consistent demand from buyers.
Similarly, Bonsmara cattle were selected for their performance and their relevance within the South African beef industry. The decision to move towards this breed was influenced by both efficiency and what is already working at a commercial level.
When it comes to raising livestock, Rametsi focuses on the fundamentals, starting with the type of animal and its purpose within the operation.
“We look at the … animal first – whether it’s male or female – and what we want to do with it,” he says. “It’s either you grow them for auction or you sell them locally.”
From there, attention shifts to performance and health.
“Weight gain is important, quality is important – and then health. Vaccination is very important,” he says.
Regular monitoring forms part of their routine, with animals checked consistently to ensure they remain in good condition. Goats, for example, are dipped regularly as part of their health management programme.
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Taking Initiative and Seeing Results
One of the defining moments in Rametsi’s journey so far has been entering a livestock competition – a decision he encouraged his father to take.
“I told him, let’s try it,” he says.
Competing against more experienced farmers, they followed specific guidance on feeding and conditioning their animals to improve performance. The process required effort, discipline and a willingness to take a risk. In the end, that risk paid off – they won.
“Sometimes there’s no risk, no gain – you just have to try.”
The experience not only brought recognition but also boosted Rametsi’s confidence and reinforced the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
“It gives you confidence,” he adds. “You realise you can do more than you thought.”
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, Rametsi has a clear vision of where he wants to go. His goal is to establish his own feedlot operation, producing beef at scale and supplying larger companies.
“I want to start my own feedlot and supply big companies,” he says.
At the same time, he is realistic about the challenges that come with farming. Issues such as stock theft, rising input costs and disease pressures remain part of the environment he is navigating.
Despite this, he remains focused on growth and committed to building something meaningful over time.
A New Generation Stepping Forward
Rametsi believes that young farmers have an important role to play in the future of agriculture in South Africa.
“It’s important for us to learn from those before us so that we can teach the next generation,” he says.
He emphasises that agriculture is something that must be carried forward, not only as an industry but as a way of sustaining communities and livelihoods.
Farming as a Way of Life
For Rametsi, farming is more than just a career, it is a way of life.
“Agriculture is everything,” he says. “Every day we need food.”
Even during difficult seasons, he stays motivated by his long-term vision and by seeing what others in the industry have achieved.
“I see where I want to be one day – and I won’t give up.”
With determination, a willingness to learn and a strong foundation to build on, Rametsi represents a new generation of farmers who are shaping the future of South African agriculture – one step at a time.
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