Livestock

Die Mas van Kakamas Vineyards

Ever since the farm was bought livestock has been part of the family. Thinking back to 1970 two of the implements we bought the farm with, were donkeys.

Since then Die Mas family farm has always involved livestock. From a noble start with two donkeys to a much greater livestock section today, our livestock includes a healthy cattle stock and sheep.
We are currently experimenting with different types of cattle breeds and new bulls to see which type of cattle breed fits in best in our Northern Cape type of area and circumstances.

We found that Nguni’s adapted very easily and do very well in our area but the demand for beef calls for a more bulky animal that produces heavier offspring with better fat distribution in the meat. We are now experimenting with some breeds that fit in the area but can produce heavier offspring in a short amount of time to be market ready for sale.

On the farm, around the main house, we keep ourselves busy with all kinds of animals. We have a few milking cows, donkeys, sheep, pigs, chickens, geese and even peacocks and guinea fowls. We have some of the best Buff Orpington chickens in the country and they all wander around free range.

We like to keep it real and old school, so you would find us milking the cows and feeding all the animals early in the morning. Then we would separate the milk and get the cream on one side for ‘Ouma Wellies’ to make her well known butter. The healthy low fat milk would be sold to our farm people and locals.

Eggs are taken out daily. In season we use the produce from our own garden to make preserved green figs, chutneys and jams.