IN T HE SPO TL IG HT
Sable antelope is one of the Crous brothers' favourite
species and is reflected in their logo as well.
•••
the good service they receive
from Louis Lingenfelder and the
fact that the company is so involved in the community.
SENWES FUTURE
FOCUS DAY
The Crous brothers are of the
opinion that events such as the
Senwes Future Focus Day in
2015, where the focus was on
game farming, will become very
prominent. As soon as something such as game farming starts
growing, it becomes necessary
to exchange information. It is
important to have opportunities
where questions can be asked. It
is important, however, to prioritise between information day,
game days, etc. “If you do your
own thing you inevitably have to
pay school fees at some or other
point”.
DROUGHT AND GAME
The past winter was somewhat
easier for the Crous brothers in
the sense that it is much cheaper to feed antelope than cattle.
However, with game you will
have to plan and plant teff. Senwes visited the brothers during
the drought and although things
were going well for them, they
are wary about the future. “We
may have a different story to tell
in eight months’ time”, David
said.
The effect of the drought is
evident in Kroonstad. David
pointed out that nothing had
been planted. The question as to
where available teff can be found,
remains valid.
The drought will result in
many a farmer not being able to
continue farming. Realism is of
the utmost importance and the
Crous brothers confirm that they
will remain positive.
ADVICE TO NEW
GAME FARMERS
Firstly, it is never too late to start
with game. Secondly, one doesn't
need millions to get started. They
say that it is a misconception
that there are cheaper species
with the same income potential,
which can be started with.
When you start with game it
is important to be able to carry
the farming operations for five
years. The cost per hectare and
the input costs of this type of
farming are lower and the income much higher - cattle and
sheep just don't compare. A further advantage is that game theft
does not normally occur and it is
a niche product.
TAKE CHANCES TO ACHIEVE
SUCCESS
Sometimes you have to take
chances - which is what the
Crous brothers did when they
started their garme farming operations in Kroonstad. Everybody
said our animals would die, due
to the very cold winters. However, we make plans and make sure
that the condition of the animals
sees them through the winter.
The area is also much healthier
in the sense that parasites are
not a major problem,