Sizo Tshabalala is a first-generation young farmer and entrepreneur from Mpumalanga, South Africa. He is the founder of Tshabalala Farming, a family-run enterprise that has grown from street vending into a diversified commercial agricultural business.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
“Guys, things are moving on the farm right now and I’m not going to lie – it’s been a busy one,” says Sizo.
“We are busy doing up the layer house – renovating and adding more silos. We went from one silo to three, so we are seriously levelling up our capacity. And the best part? Our new chickens are arriving on the 28th of June, so I’m in full preparation mode making sure everything is ready for them.
“Oh, and we also just got new goats. They’re pregnant, so we’re making sure they are comfortable and we provide supplements. We treat them well.
Expert advice for winter
“Now, with winter hitting hard, a lot of people ask me – how do you keep your layers producing eggs in the cold? Here’s what we do: We keep artificial lights on in the house until the sun comes up. Less sunlight means less laying, so we make up for it.
“We also increase their feed in winter. If you keep feeding them the same amount as in summer, your egg production will tank – trust me. So, we adjust the feed, we adjust the curtains in the house, and we make sure those girls stay warm and keep doing their thing.
“Farming isn’t easy, but when you stay on top of the details, it pays off. Keep pushing.”
Also read and watch:
Farmer’s diary: Hunadi Mabulane on harvesting cotton and adding value on the farm
Farmer’s diary: What cucumber farmer Kobela Mokgohloa is doing at the moment
Farmer’s diary: Five things Beefmaster farmer Dr Nicholas Lesia does every autumn
