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business is that it is constantly changing . There is always something new to learn , a new element to consider , a new challenge to overcome . Because both the goats and the cheese cultures are live organisms , the number of things to consider on a daily basis is vast and everchanging . It keeps them both busy but with enough time to appreciate the joy of what they have created . Their children and grandchildren are all big fans of the cheeses . Rina and Norman themselves eat goats cheese every day . “ I go into minor withdrawal if I don ' t have any ,” says Rina . It was not all easy . Rina and Norman both point out the lack of understanding around goats ' milk in South Africa . Their early years were marred by issues owing to the fact that all information they had been given was relevant only to cows ' milk . They learned by trial and error and are hoping to pass this knowledge on to help new farmers avoid these problems . Rina is a member of the Milk Producers Organisation of Gauteng . She is also a founding member of the Southern African Goat-Sheep Milk Processors Organisation and the Small Stock Dairy Association . Through this platform the Belchers are looking at ways to elevate the status of small-stock dairy farming in South Africa . Norman says the worldwide consumption of small stock dairy milk represents about 65 % of all milk consumed – despite the small usage in South Africa . The Belchers are trying to change that . They already have a large client-base of gourmet restaurants , hotels and other hospitality industry members . Their weekly stall at the Hazel Food Market in Pretoria is always busy . Steadily , their wide range of excellent quality products is winning over fans across the country .
Despite the already large success of the business , Rina and Norman have big plans for the future . In the next 18 months they hope to open a small coffee shop on their property that will encourage visitors to spend some time on the property , and relax with a glass of wine or a coffee and some cheese . They are also hoping to move into the meat industry with high-end lamb , mutton and goat products . They are looking at ways of
SMART SMALLHOLDERS
combining their already hugely successful annual dairy day with a bigger livestock show . They also want to focus on the transferral of skills to young emerging farmers . The Belnori Boutique Cheesery is testament to the fact that smallholdings in Gauteng can be profitable . Through trial and error , and with an open-mind the Belchers have created a sustainable and successful business . For more information : Belnori
Boutique Cheesery , tel 082 377-5698 , email rina @ belnori . com
21 www . sasmallholder . co . za