The Kumnandi Project: Livestock Farming Strategy & Investment Breakdown

Diversifying for Sustainability: The Livestock Component

After detailing our greenhouse construction plans, the next pillar of The Kumnandi Project is livestock farming. While greenhouses provide year-round crop production, livestock offers protein, dairy, eggs, and additional income streams to support our community feeding program.

This comprehensive approach to sustainable agriculture ensures we can provide complete, nutritious meals to those in need while creating a resilient, diversified farming operation.

"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul."

Psalm 23:1-3

The Livestock Plan: 6 Specialized Enclosures

Our livestock strategy centers on building 6 purpose-built enclosures for different animal types, each designed to meet specific needs while maximizing productivity and animal welfare:

• 2 Cattle Enclosures: Beef cattle (Nguni) and dairy cattle (Jersey/Friesland cross)
• 2 Goat Enclosures: Boer goats (meat) and Saanen goats (dairy)
• 2 Chicken Enclosures: Broilers (meat production) and layers (egg production)

Why This Livestock Mix?

Each animal type serves a strategic purpose in our mission:

Cattle

• Nguni beef cattle: Hardy, drought-resistant, low maintenance, excellent meat quality for community feeding
• Dairy cattle: Fresh milk for feeding program, cheese/yogurt production, income from milk sales

Goats

• Boer goats: Fast-growing meat production, high demand in South African markets, culturally significant
• Saanen dairy goats: Excellent milk producers, easier to manage than cattle, lower feed costs

Chickens

• Broilers: Quick turnaround (6-8 weeks), consistent meat supply for feeding program
• Layers: Daily egg production, high nutritional value, reliable income stream

Complete Investment Breakdown

1. Cattle Enclosures (2 Units)

Enclosure Construction (Per Unit)

• Fencing (100m perimeter, 1.8m high game fence): R18,000
• Steel posts and corner bracing: R6,500
• Gates (2 × 3m wide): R4,200
• Concrete foundation for posts: R3,800
• Shelter structure (6m × 4m, corrugated iron roof): R15,000
• Water trough (500L concrete): R2,800
• Feed troughs (3 units): R3,600
• Subtotal per enclosure: R53,900
• Total for 2 cattle enclosures: R107,800

Initial Livestock Purchase

• Nguni beef cattle: 6 heifers @ R8,500 each = R51,000
• Nguni bull: 1 breeding bull = R15,000
• Dairy cattle: 4 Jersey/Friesland cows @ R12,000 each = R48,000
• Total cattle purchase: R114,000

Annual Feed & Operating Costs (Cattle)

• Grazing supplement feed (lucerne, maize): R45,000/year
• Mineral licks and supplements: R6,000/year
• Veterinary care and vaccinations: R8,500/year
• Water and maintenance: R4,500/year
• Annual cattle operating cost: R64,000

2. Goat Enclosures (2 Units)

Enclosure Construction (Per Unit)

• Fencing (80m perimeter, 1.5m high wire mesh): R12,000
• Steel posts and bracing: R4,200
• Gates (2 × 2m wide): R2,800
• Concrete foundation for posts: R2,400
• Shelter structure (5m × 3m, corrugated iron): R9,500
• Water trough (200L): R1,500
• Feed troughs and hay racks: R2,400
• Subtotal per enclosure: R34,800
• Total for 2 goat enclosures: R69,600

Initial Livestock Purchase

• Boer goats: 10 does @ R2,500 each = R25,000
• Boer buck: 2 breeding bucks @ R4,000 each = R8,000
• Saanen dairy goats: 8 does @ R3,200 each = R25,600
• Saanen buck: 1 breeding buck = R4,500
• Total goat purchase: R63,100

Annual Feed & Operating Costs (Goats)

• Lucerne hay and browse supplement: R28,000/year
• Concentrate feed for dairy goats: R15,000/year
• Mineral supplements: R4,200/year
• Veterinary care and vaccinations: R5,500/year
• Water and maintenance: R2,800/year
• Annual goat operating cost: R55,500

3. Chicken Enclosures (2 Units)

Enclosure Construction (Per Unit)

• Chicken house structure (8m × 4m timber frame): R18,000
• Wire mesh walls and predator-proof fencing: R8,500
• Corrugated iron roofing: R6,200
• Concrete floor (for broiler unit): R12,000
• Nesting boxes (for layer unit, 20 boxes): R4,500
• Perches and roosting bars: R2,200
• Feeders and drinkers (automatic systems): R6,800
• Outdoor run fencing (6m × 8m): R5,400
• Subtotal per enclosure: R63,600
• Total for 2 chicken enclosures: R127,200

Initial Livestock Purchase

• Broiler chicks: 200 day-old chicks @ R25 each = R5,000 (per batch, 6 batches/year)
• Layer pullets: 150 point-of-lay hens @ R85 each = R12,750
• Initial purchase (first batch + layers): R17,750

Annual Feed & Operating Costs (Chickens)

• Broiler feed (6 batches × 200 birds): R72,000/year
• Layer feed (150 hens year-round): R45,000/year
• Chick purchases (6 batches): R30,000/year
• Veterinary care and vaccinations: R6,500/year
• Bedding (wood shavings): R8,400/year
• Water, electricity, and maintenance: R5,600/year
• Annual chicken operating cost: R167,500

4. Supporting Infrastructure

• Feed storage shed (6m × 4m): R22,000
• Milking parlor for dairy animals (basic setup): R35,000
• Slaughter and processing area (basic): R18,000
• Farm equipment (wheelbarrows, tools, scales): R12,000
• Borehole and water reticulation system: R45,000
• Access roads and pathways (gravel): R15,000
• Total infrastructure: R147,000

5. Labour Costs

• Enclosure construction (4 workers × 6 weeks): R48,000
• Infrastructure installation (2 workers × 3 weeks): R18,000
• Borehole drilling and water system: R12,000
• Total construction labour: R78,000

Total Livestock Investment Summary

Annual Operating Costs Summary

Production & Revenue Potential

With proper management, our livestock operation can generate significant food production and income:

Cattle Production (Annual)

• Beef: 4-5 calves per year @ 250kg dressed weight = 1,000-1,250kg @ R85/kg = R85,000-R106,250
• Dairy milk: 4 cows × 15L/day × 300 days = 18,000L @ R8/L = R144,000
• Cattle revenue potential: R229,000-R250,000/year

Goat Production (Annual)

• Boer meat: 15-20 kids per year @ 25kg = 375-500kg @ R95/kg = R35,625-R47,500
• Dairy milk: 8 does × 3L/day × 250 days = 6,000L @ R12/L = R72,000
• Goat revenue potential: R107,625-R119,500/year

Chicken Production (Annual)

• Broilers: 6 batches × 200 birds × 2kg = 2,400kg @ R45/kg = R108,000
• Eggs: 150 layers × 280 eggs/year = 42,000 eggs @ R2.50 each = R105,000
• Chicken revenue potential: R213,000/year

Total Annual Revenue Potential

Note: Years 1-2 operate near break-even as herds build. By Year 3, with natural herd growth and no additional livestock purchases, profitability increases significantly to R150,000-R200,000+ annually.

Community Feeding Impact

Beyond revenue, livestock provides direct food for our feeding program:

Weekly Food Production for Community

• Fresh milk: 450-500L per week (dairy cattle + goats)
• Eggs: 800+ eggs per week
• Meat: 25-30kg per week (rotating between beef, goat, chicken)

This production can provide complete protein meals for 150-200 people weekly, combined with vegetables from our greenhouse operations.

The Complete Kumnandi Project Investment

With livestock added to our previous plans, here's the updated total investment:

• Land acquisition (Rhenosterspruit): R950,000
• Greenhouse construction (6 units): R359,600
• Livestock infrastructure & animals: R724,450
• Operating capital (first 6 months): R285,000
• TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: R2,319,050

Phased Implementation Timeline

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)

• Secure land and begin site preparation
• Build first 2 greenhouses
• Construct chicken enclosures (fastest ROI)
• Purchase layer hens and first broiler batch
• Drill borehole and install water system

Phase 2: Expansion (Months 4-8)

• Complete remaining 4 greenhouses
• Build goat enclosures
• Purchase Boer and Saanen goats
• Construct feed storage and milking parlor
• Begin small-scale community feeding (50-75 people weekly)

Phase 3: Full Operations (Months 9-18)

• Build cattle enclosures
• Purchase cattle (beef and dairy)
• Complete all infrastructure
• Launch full volunteer training program
• Scale to 150-200 people fed weekly
• Establish market relationships for surplus sales

Sustainability & Stewardship

Livestock farming requires daily commitment, but it creates a sustainable cycle:

• Manure fertilizes greenhouse crops, reducing input costs
• Crop waste supplements animal feed, reducing feed costs
• Natural breeding grows herds without ongoing purchase costs
• Diverse income streams protect against market fluctuations
• Skills training creates employment opportunities for volunteers

"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

Psalm 24:1

Animal Welfare & Ethical Farming

As stewards of God's creation, we're committed to ethical, humane animal husbandry:

• Spacious enclosures with natural grazing and foraging
• Clean water and quality feed
• Regular veterinary care and disease prevention
• Stress-free handling and humane slaughter practices
• Respect for the animals that provide for our community

Return on Investment

Livestock farming is a long-term investment:

• Year 1-2: Near break-even as herds establish and grow
• Year 3+: R150,000-R250,000 annual profit as herds mature
• Community impact: 150-200 people fed weekly with complete nutrition
• Skills training: 30-50 volunteers trained in livestock management annually
• Employment: 3-5 full-time jobs created

Faith Meets Farming

These animals represent more than agricultural assets – they're part of God's provision for our community. Just as the Good Shepherd cares for His flock, we'll care for these animals so they can nourish those who hunger.

From my own journey of transformation, I know that sustainable change requires patience, commitment, and faith. This livestock operation embodies all three – building slowly, caring consistently, and trusting God for the increase.

Next Steps

• Finalize land purchase and secure funding
• Source quality breeding stock from reputable South African breeders
• Hire experienced farm manager
• Begin Phase 1 construction (chicken enclosures)
• Develop volunteer training curriculum
• Establish relationships with local butchers and markets

The Kumnandi Project continues to take shape – from vision to detailed plans, from faith to action. Thank you for walking this journey with me as we build something that will feed bodies, teach skills, and demonstrate Christ's love in practical, sustainable ways.

Stay connected for the next update as we move closer to breaking ground.