environment | March 02, 2026

How many cattle farmers are there in South Africa?

How many cattle farmers are there in South Africa?

Commercial farmers are estimated at 50 000, emerging farmers at 240 000 and communal farmers at 3 million. There are approximately 100 commercial feedlots in South Africa and 431 abattoirs.

Where is cattle farming in South Africa?

Cattle are the major livestock activity in the country in both commercial and smallholder farms. Cattle production in South Africa is more concentrated in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, and Northwest [11]. Beef cattle account for approximately 80% of the national herd with dairy accounting for 20%.

Is cattle a good investment in South Africa?

While cattle have long been considered a source of wealth for many South Africans, investors are now choosing to buy into livestock directly. Reuters reports that mobile app, Livestock Wealth, allows users to buy shares in a cow from their mobile phone starting at R576.

How much is a price of a cow in South Africa?

Groups of investors can buy a whole cow, while individuals can purchase shares in a pregnant cow or young calf. A pregnant cow costs 18,730 rand and takes 12 months before the newborn calf can be sold for a return, while investing in a calf costs 11,529 rand and takes six months for it to grow enough to be sold.

Is cattle farming profitable in South Africa?

A cattle farm is a profitable business particularly for South Africa residents. If you opt to raise such type of cattle farming business to earn for the daily living of your family, you still need to follow some of the basic steps in starting cattle farming in South Africa.

Who is the biggest farmer in South Africa?

Karsten
Karsten is known as one of SA’s biggest farmers and his business includes fruit production, livestock production as well as game farming. He also runs two branches in the Middle East and the UK.

How much do cattle farmers make in South Africa?

The profit on the sale of the calf is then divided between the investor, farmer and Livestock Wealth. Depending on the price of calves, you can expect a return of between 10% and 14% a year. In other words, if you invest R18 730, you can expect to receive between R20 603 and R21 352.

How do I start a cattle farm in South Africa?

Steps to Start Cattle Farming in South Africa

  1. Cattle Farming Plan. Do a simple analysis of yourself and the type of business you are going to start with.
  2. Land Location.
  3. Research on Facilities and Devices Needed in Raising Cattle.
  4. Providing Healthy Cattle Vitamins.

How profitable is cattle farming in South Africa?

This could bring in R300 to R350 per animal for a further income of at least R30 000. At current slaughter or live selling prices of about R1 500, your gross profit would be R500/sheep, or R50 000 for the 100 lambs. You would therefore have made a gross profit of R95 000, and without the risks faced by a breeder!

Is there money in cattle farming?

Making money with cattle is hard, but it’s possible and it’s possible to do it consistently. Several analysts are suggesting that the cow herd will continue to increase slowly for another two to three years. This could be accompanied by an even greater growth in the amount of beef produced.

Which province is best for farming?

British Columbia is considered the province with the most full-time and regular vacancies available. This province is also Canada’s one of the most expensive provinces to live in with the main source of income as agriculture.