Humble Ben from Delmas is Buhle Academy’s 2023 star
After graduating form Buhle during June in 2018, Modieginyana returned to his farm in Mafikeng, which had just 14 goats and 16 cattle at the time, and began to apply his knowledge enthusiastically, determined to grow his farming.
During graduation day at Buhle Farmer’s Academy, held on November 16 in Delmas, a former student Ben Modieginyana, was crowned as the star of this year’s event. According to Modieginyana, he gained his love for farming from his father, also a livestock farmer.
“Years ago I, however, realised that my lack of knowledge was holding me back and caused a host of problems, including high mortality rates among animals,” said Modieginyana.
He then started his training at Buhle Academy and trained in livestock production.
“When I came to Buhle, I came empty, but when I left, because of the knowledge and skills they taught me, I knew what I was going to do,” told a humble Modieginyana the Buhle graduates, during the graduation ceremony.
ALSO CHECK: Humble Ben from Delmas is Buhle Academy’s 2023 star
After graduating from Buhle during June in 2018, Modieginyana returned to his farm in Mafikeng, North West, which had just 14 goats and 16 cattle and began to apply his knowledge enthusiastically, determined to grow his farming.
He also told the graduates not to believe that once they graduated, they were done. “This is when the work starts.”
“It has, however, not always been easy.” He informed the graduates about the hardships of dry farming, droughts, mortalities, theft, and the cost of electricity.
Modieginyana can now take better care of his livestock, eradicate deaths, and grow his herds significantly. He now has 62 cattle, 73 goats and 42 sheep on the 150ha farm he leases for his livestock.”
ALSO CHECK: There is still a long road to recovery for Michael Nel from Secunda
This year alone has been a testament as Ben has a flourishing enterprise, as he could sell 80 goats, 35 sheep, and 51 cattle.
According to the board of directors at Buhle, Modieginyana breeds comprise Bonsmara, Brahman and Red Angus cattle, Boer and Kalahari Red goats and Dorper sheep.
“The farm is now well-equipped. I also drilled for water, erected JoJo tanks and recently installed solar panels, which make it possible to give water to my animals in a mostly drought-stricken area.
Modieginyana also proudly announced with the income of his cattle sales, he could buy two tractors and other implements and now plant grain on another 138ha of land.
Modieginyana thanked Buhle for the skills they taught him and also for still being only a phone call away when he needed advice during his day-to-day farming.
“Congratulations, Buhle could not be prouder of Ben’s hard work and dedication, and we wish him continued success and prosperity in all his future endeavours,” wrote Buhle Academy on their website.
