Ranch Management Plan - Mr & Mrs Moremedi 3

RANCH MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR

RANCH NUMBER 34 - MK, 4965 HA, OKWA/GWANA RANCHES.

SUBMITTED TO

GHANZ I LAD BOARD

BY

GAGOITSIWE MOREMEDI

13 SEPTEMBER 2010

This plan is submitted in partial fulfillment of Ghanzi Land Board requirements.

PARTICULARS OF APPLICANTS:

1. MR. GAGOITSIWE MOREMEDI P O Box 2484, Gaborone Contact Number: 71542323 / 3158430 / 3158427 Nationality: Motswana 2. MRS. KEIKANELWE MOREMEDI P O Box 2484, Gaborone Contact Number: 71542323 / 3158430 / 3158427 Nationality: Motswana

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PROJECT BRIEF INTRODUCTION

The project promoters have a vision to profitably and ethically venture into animal rearing, with main focus on quality and purpose. The intention is to venture into livestock ranching on a commercial and diversified basis to include livestock and fodder production. Fodder production will be an essential component of the production system for the enhancement of animal nutrition. Enhanced animal nutrition is essential for the improved productivity of the livestock sub-sector. According to Moreki (2009), beef production is the most important agricultural enterprises in Botswana. Moreki (2009) further noted that the performance of the beef industry is not satisfactory on the account of overgrazing, low levels of productivity as measured by calving, mortality and off take rates. The project therefore seeks to develop an enterprise that will be productive, profitable and sustainable by putting in place a management structure that will guard against overstocking and the resultant overgrazing. PROJECT IMPLIMENTATION

The project is to be implemented in two distinct phases. The first phase entails understanding a survey to determine vegetation survey and density as well as citing the location of water point(s) and will culminate in the drilling of boreholes. This initial phase will also include the construction of handling facilities. This will be followed by stocking the farm. The second phase of the project will include erecting the perimeter fences, internal fences and the establishment of fodder crop. The establishment of the fodder crop is essential and critical given the known low nutritive value of most of grass species prevalent in Botswana. Poor nutrition is one of the constraints in the livestock industry and is one of the reasons for poor performance of the livestock sub-sector . The ranch will have as its core a herd of cattle and smallstock. These two types of animals have varied grazing tendencies and feed requirements. According to Moreki(2009), citing the Department of Veterinary Services Report (2008) small stock population in Botswana is less than 1 million ( 161 100 and 576 663sheep and goats respectively ), and the same report further states that there are approximately 2.3 million cattle located in both ranches and commercial areas. About 70% of the national cattle herd is in the communal areas where no selection is done with the random breeding. Farming in the communal areas is generally characterized by poor management 3

practices, hence the low off take rate. Moreki (2009) noted that Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture plans to increase the national cattle herd to 3.5 million and off take rates from 8% to 20%. The project therefore intends contribute towards the attainment of these targets through proper management of cattle and smallstock. The initial herds sizes will be as follows:

\ TYPE Cows Bulls Does Bucks Ewe Ram

NUMBER 150 6 150 6 150 6

It is noted that subsequent increases will be determined by the established carrying capacity of the ranch on account of the vegetation cover and density as well as the level of fodder production. Smallstock will be an important component in the production rate of small stock, particularly by goats is four times faster than cattle and with proper management small stock will start generating income earlier than beef production. Additionally, the price of per kg of chevon ( goat meat) is almost double that of beef. It has been reported that in 2008 alone 62 tons of chevon was imported into Botswana (Moreki, 2008). According to the Department of Veterinary Services Report (2008) as cited by Moreki (2009), the demand for breeding season small sock is high .During 2008/09 plan period 705 and 10 646 live sheep and goats respectively were imported as breeding stock. Furthermore imports of mutton and lamb increased from 42 tons. It is estimated that 307 369 and 63 tons of lamb, mutton, and chevon were imported respectively in 2008. In 2007, imports of lamb and mutton were 94 tons and 42 tons respectively. It is worth noting that smallstock is more drought tolerant than cattle and as such they may assist to cushion or absorb the risk associated with drought.

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RANGE MANAGEMENT AND RANCH DEVELOPMENT RANGE MANAGEMENT In Botswana, livestock depends to a large extent on extensive grazing of native rangeland pastures. These native ranchland pastures have low nutritive value and as a result do not adequately provide for the nutritional requirements of livestock. This coupled with overgrazing contribute in no small measure to low productivity and reduced farm income. The promoter is to address this challenge by extensively undertaking fodder production. Fodder production will not on its own provide all the feed requirements for livestock. This will have to be complimented by appropriate grazing systems. When properly applied, grazing systems are useful tools to help rangeland and livestock managers to achieve management objectives related to rangeland and livestock production such as forage production, average daily gain, as well as those related to ecosystem structure ( e.g. erosion control, water quantity and quality) Grazing system is basically a planned effort by rangeland managers to leave some grazing areas unused for at least part of the year. With respect to this particular management plan it will not be possible to select a proper grazing system as that is contingent upon the uniqueness of the setting in which it is applied. The survey alluded to earlier on to determine topography; soils, vegetation type, general climate etc will inform the selection of the grazing system. The appropriate grazing system (s0 will be selected after the survey from the following range of systems; season-long, rest rotation, seasonal suitability, best pasture and short duration.

STOCKING RATE The stocking rate is to a large extent influenced by the type plus density of animals to reared. The guiding principle in the ranch management will be quality as opposed to quantity. It will be ensured at all times that the stocking rate does not exceed the carrying capacity of the ranch. Notwithstanding the above, it is envisaged that the operations will start with at least 150 cows, 4 bulls and 150 goats.

PADDOCKING

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We shall establish paddocks that we will assign to each type of animal. Paddocking will ensure that we maintain a healthy grazing area for our stock. Paddocking also ensures easy access and follow up on the count of our animals to augment the tracking systems that we will implement with the help of veterinary companies. CONTROL OF VELD FIRES

We will construct fire guards in and around our ranch to protect the vegetation in case of a veld fire from outside. We will minimize the chances of causing veld fire from within our ranch; hence our employees will be trained and cautioned on the dangers of starting fires. RANCH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES •

FENCING – Knowing the exact boundaries of our ranch is good business and will help

avoid problems should question arise if and when neighboring farms are sold. We will use permanent fences around our ranch and temporary fences within our farm. We will use wood, barbed wire, wire panels and electric fences. We will fence also for security reasons. •

MANURE MANAGEMENT – Solid, semi-solid, liquid; each of these will be handled in a

different way to effectively use the manure. We will also use the composting method for storage of our manure. •

PASTURE MANAGEMENT – By rotating pastures through the paddock system we will

minimize any run-off effects. •

SOIL CONSERVATION- We will minimize any activities that will cause deforestation and

we will also ensure that we plant trees and plants where necessary to avoid soil erosion.

RANCH DEVELOPMENT

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The ranch will be developed in two distinct phases as indicated in the table below: PHASE 1 ACTIVITIES

DURATION / MONTHS

PHASE 2 ACTIVITIES

DURATION / MONTHS

Erecting perimeter fence

Survey Citing of water point(s) 12 – 18

24 – 48

Drilling

Erecting internal fences

Construction of

Establishment of fodder

handling facilities

crop

Stocking

Commence commercial activities

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

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Potential Impact

Vegetation clearance

Vegetation clearance will be limited to areas under excavation and and Mitigation

construction. This will be minimal The developer intends to grow trees in the ranch, and prone instead of cutting trees where necessary and some of the trees will provide fodder for

Potential Impact

stock. There is potential for soil erosion as the soil is disturbed during excavation and scrapping of overburden. Soil pile stabilization will be considered and vegetation and overburden

Mitigation

clearance will be done in a phased process in line with the pace of production.

Potential Impact

There is potential for dust generation during construction of kraals and civil structures. Dust suppression measures like water suppression shall be considered

Mitigation Impact

including the provision of safety clothing for the workers. Sewage / Drainage and Waste

We will use conservancy tanks, to separate liquids from sludge, and they will be empting of the tanks occasionally. Solid, semi-solid, liquid; each of Mitigation

these will be handled in a different way to effectively use the manure. We will also use the composting method of storage of our manure. Manure generated will be used in the fodder production to improve yields.

Environment: This shall entail the clearing up of the internal line for perimeter fencing as well as internal fences (paddocks). Clearing to be done for fodder production shall be carried out with

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utmost care for vegetation and soils to ensure that the place is not disturbed of its natural environment outlook. Sanitation: Construction of ablution facilities conveniently on the ranch shall be done according to the standards of the Ministry of Health. This shall be done such that there is a toilet unit for every 12 people at all material time during the operation of these facilities. Waste Management: Strategically positioning of waste skips and rubbish bins around the ranch to ensure that all material waste is disposed off in an environmentally sound manner. The rubbish bins to be adopted are those with a self closing mechanism accompanied with maintenance workers who will be picking up any material waste on the ranch. Chemicals: The use of chemicals will be minimal. They will be used mainly for cleaning purposes and veterinary services. Organic agriculture will be practiced for fodder production. Waste Water: Will be collected and recycled and reused to water the gardens and other suitable purposes. Food and Beverages: Provision of food and beverages will be guided by clear waste management, health and safety standards to be religiously adhered to by each worker at the ranch or visitors. Harmful Emissions: Effects of harmful emissions such as automobile emissions, industrial emissions and the emissions from the power using coal are negative and our facilities shall not produce any of the harmful emissions such as CO2. By reducing our energy demands is a way to move nearer to carbon neutrality. Reducing the heating level in our project is of priority e.g. by introducing solar power. Fire Fighting: For safety smoke detectors, automatic water sprinklers and fire extinguishers will be installed. We shall put the response numbers for fire fighters in every building and ensure there are easily accessible escape routes from any buildings and ranch. Fire breaks will be constructed along the perimeter fences as well as along the internal fences. .

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PROJECT BENEFITS

•

SOURCE OF INCOME. Animal rearing is an integral part of the farming systems in Botswana, playing an important role in the economy, especially among the small holder farmers to whom they provide through the sale of live animals. It is encouraged that the project will raise enough stock to sell to all available markets. The project will in the long-term produce quality cross-breeds to sell as bulls to emerging farmers.

•

FOOD SECURITY. The project will enhance food security at both household and national levels in that it will employ a number of locals, provide income to promoters and sell beef to BMC for export. . 10

•

GOVERNMENT POLICY. This project will contribute though in a modest way towards the

attainment of the broader goals of sustainable management and utilization of Botswana’s natural resources.

•

EMPLOYMENT CREATION. This project will complement government efforts to alleviate

poverty by contributing towards job creation. Infrastructure development of the ranch will create employment for a significant number of local people in the same vein the fodder and livestock component of the project will also create employment for Batswana. The project will also generate income for the promoter and his immediate family.

•

SELF RELIANCE. It will also be a good source of quality meat products: This project will

produce quality animals which will provide quality meat for the local market hence less need for imports.

•

WASTE can be used as fertilizer.

. EMPLOYMENT & MANAGEMENT

SKILLS Mr. Moremedi will be able to execute on the project because of his invaluable skills:

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•

Advanced Degree in Agriculture

Mrs. Moremedi is also holding an advanced degree in agriculture and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Business Administration A top down management style will be used, in which hierarchy plays an important role in delegating and ensuring that objectives are met. The promoters shall be responsible for the general management of the project. ORGANOGRAM

MR & MRS MOREMEDI

RANCH MANAGER RANCH ASSISTANT

HERDs MAN X 5

CASUAL LABOURERS

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ROLES/ RESPONSIBILITIES: PROMOTERS (Mr. & Mrs. Moremedi)  Responsible for ensuring the purchase and implementation of appropriate technologies for

the project and ensure its sustainability and quality assurance with the aid of suppliers, specialists etc.  Establishing and managing profitable business development strategies  Overall responsibility for ensuring profitability of operation.  Ensure training of employees.

RANCH MANAGER

 The ranch manager will be responsible for day to day technical operations of the farm as well as supervision of farm workers.. FARM WORKERS  Herdsmen will be responsible for the well being of the animals on daily basis.  General work required to be done on the farm.

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MARKETING The Botswana cattle farming industry – a specialised Livestock husbandry sector is in a period of relative stability. The market is growing in response to the support from government and farmer educational initiatives. Although the cattle sector in Botswana has remained the mainstay of the economic activity in much of rural areas the benefits have not been gained much especially that most of the projects are small scale and not professionally run. TARGET MARKET.

This group of consumers is more likely to make their own meals instead of Individuals

going out, and generally cuts cost across all the socio/economic classes

Food Processers

Senn Foods, Hurvitz Group Market, BMC, Sea Foods

Jaritus Café, Runic Verses, Hot Chicks, Rodizio, Linga Longa, Primi Piatti, Restaurants

Curry Pot, Bull & Bush, Barcelos, Dros, Moghul, News Café, Red Lantern, Wimpy, Tripple R. GFS Supermarket, Score Supermarket, Choppies, Payless, Mathews Spar,

Supermarkets

OK Foods, Pick n Pay, Food Mart, Pop Inn, Shoprite, Supa Save, Tshipidi, Oasis, Checkers, Marang.

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Khawa Safari Lodge, Tautona Lodge, Cresta Lodge, Innisfrees Apartments, Lodges

Yarona Lodge, Big Five, Bluetown Lodge, Jonas Inn, Debswana Lodge, Kabong Villa, Kgale View Lodge, Victoria Lodge.

Hotels

Grand Hotel, Cresta President Hotel, Gaborone Hotel, Mogo Hotel, Grand Palm Hotel.

Educational Institutions

University of Botswana , Academy of Business Management, Limkokwing, GIPS, Botlhale English Medium, Candar Academy and Technical college,

Hospitals & Clinics

Naturesse Health Center (F/Town) Marina Hospital, Gaborone Private Hospital, Reproductive Health Services and Family Health Clinic.

Government

Butchers

Poultry Producers

BDF, Institutions, Events & Ceremonies.

Mpepe Butchery, Afro Butchery, Knockout Butchery, Taung Butchery, Boiteko Butchery, SellRite Butchery, Smorden Butchery, TTT Butchery. Ace Layer Farm, Bobbsie’s Chickens, Goodwill Chickens, Moult Poultry Farm and anyone looking for incubating services.

DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL.

We shall use a truck to be purchased to deliver the goats to the customers and also for going to procure them from suppliers. When we start producing our anticipated high quality meat, we would be consistent in our supply to the market so that our customers will always have the privilege to choose the meat that comes from our animals. Consistency is a fundamental aspect for the success of any farmer in this market hence it should be observed at all times. It will be important therefore that we become consistent in our supply of high quality meat to our market MARKET GROWTH

There is great potential for growth in the industry since coupled by growth in population largely due to an influx of foreigners into Botswana. We will grow this project through in house intensive 15

breeding, purchase of more breeding stock and investing through new farmlands in other areas around Botswana. Our product portfolio is to increase based on market demand and may venture into other related businesses. We will also consider investing in other related business activities such as birds rearing (Chicken, Goose etc) as one of his future goals. MARKETING MATERIALS

We intend to produce the following materials for advertising: Website, Email newsletters, Direct mail, Newspaper and magazine ads, Virtual tour presentation, Fliers, Brochures. We will also attend Agricultural Shows. ADVERTISING

Advertising Medium

Contact Name

Tel /Fax

Email / Website

The Advertiser

TBA

3914788

TBA

The Guardian

TBA

TBA

TBA

Farmers’ Magazine Botswana

TBA

Tel:3907785

www.farmersmagbots.com

BTC Telephone Directory

TBA

3907785

www.btcdirectory.co.bw

Botswana a.c braby Yellow Pages

TBA

3971444

TBA

We will also value the importance of referrals. We will also erect sign boards in and around our area and close towns that will show every detail about our existence and location including contact details.

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RISK ANALYSIS SUPPLIERS. The government’s animal department store is a proven reliable supplier of animal

vaccines and other animal husbandry requirements. Suppliers in the trade have lots of experience and financial muscle to keep on supporting our project. We do not anticipate suppliers stopping their supplies unless there is a major shortage of foreign currency. But it is also unlikely. TRANSPORTATION. There is not much transportation requirements apart from occasional

transportation of feeds and animals. As the project progresses there may be need at a later stage to procure a vehicle for transportation of cattle as the quantities will dictate. PROJECT RISK

CONTINGENT MEASURE AND SOLUTION

1. Death of cattle as a result of uncontrollable

The Project promoters will always seek advice from the experts such as

disease/Poor health due to disease.

veterinary doctors. The project promoters will approach a suitable Insurance Company and will insure the cattle as soon as the project commences.

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There are predators such as Lions, Jackals and

Routine checks will be done by the cattle keeper who will ensure that the

Hyenas which can impact negatively on the

livestock is safe at all times.

production of livestock. Death of cattle and small stock as a result of

If cattle are to be transported we will choose times which there will not be

accidents

much traffic such as early hours for transportation and also observe good driving.

Death of cattle as a result of fire , explosion and

Proper farm fire protection mechanisms such a fire guards will be part of

lightning

the ranch.

Theft of cattle

Cattle will be branded and inserted with bolux and other resources to ensure security of livestock.

Death of cattle as a result of poisonous plants

If plant poisoning is suspected, a post-mortem, examination of the rumen contents would provide confirmation of the cause by finding leaves and stems of the poisonous plant. Generally the grass is made up of Aristida

uniplumis (Tshikitasane), A. meridionalis (Seloka), Eragrostis pallens, Cymbopogon excavates, Aristida uniplumis, and Eragrostis pallens which tend to dominate. We will continually identify poisonous plants and destroy them through burning (just the tree and not the velds), uprooting or cutting. Further relevant medication will always be available. Retention of experienced Staff

Introduce staff incentives for them to stay and also ensure all staff are trained on cattle diseases, symptoms, cure and feeding among other areas.

Impotency in male cattle

The project will identify males with good hereditary background. The project will also keep hereditary records of its current stock. We will always have substitutes male stock to service the females

SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths

Weakness

Management will bring in expert business experience since he

We would be a small player.

is working in a top managerial position.

We cannot supply end-users abroad

Management is committed and confident.

Limited budget. 18

Market demand is not seasonal

Processes and systems have to be developed.

Opportunities

Threats

The ability of livestock to browse makes them of particular

Disease outbreaks

importance to Botswana, where there is an abundance of species for them to browse (acacia for example) which provides forage year round and will come into leaf before the rain start. Proper forage management system Availability of VET support from government Availability of raw materials e.g. feeds, vaccines

Retention of key staff critical. Possible negative publicity on Botswana Cattle meat and the susceptibility of Foot and mouth disease which normally spills over from Zimbabwe. Staff turnover.

Availability of government short training courses on animal husbandry

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