MENTORING OF EMERGING FARMERS AT ELIM
INTRODUCTION
Elim is situated near Bredasdorp and is an old missionary town and home to some 2 000
residents. The Moravian Chruch owns most of the town and plays a pivotal role in the
community. Among others, it is responsible for the Elim Home, an institution for mental and
physical disabled children, a crèche and an old-age home. In support of the Elim Dairy
Project the church is leasing land to the dairy.
The Elim dairy has always been a community project managed by a dairy board of directors
who live in Elim. The dairy started in 2007 when it received 40 cows from the Outeniqua
Agricultural Research Station near George. The MPO was approached for possible
mentorship and Mr Dèan Kleynhans, the then chairman of the MPO, acted as first mentor of
Elim. Since 2007, Milk SA has been funding the mentorship programme and Dr Nico
Schutte, then MD of MPO Cendel, has managed the mentorship programme.
Despite obstacles such as land limitations imposed by the Heritage Foundation the dairy has
been growing. The Western Cape Government, through the Community Project Assessment
Committee (CPAC) supported Elim as an emerging dairy project and has donated funds for
implements, irrigation, cows, electricity, a pump house and fertiliser. Support from the
Western Cape Government continued until February 2014.
CURRENT SITUATION
The dairy covers more than a 100 ha dry land and 45 ha irrigated land. At present, there are
168 cows in milk and deliver an average volume of 16 ℓ per cow.
The growth of Elim dairy is illustrated in the following table:
Year
Cows in milk
Total herd
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
47
80
112
93
92
115
149
168
47
90
130
111
117
133
337
333
Average milk
production
14,0 ℓ
17,5 ℓ
16,0 ℓ
14,5 ℓ
15,2 ℓ
14,5 ℓ
14,0 ℓ
16,0 ℓ
Elim Dairy is managed by a technical committee, which reports to the dairy board of
directors. The technical committee convene monthly and manage day-to-day dairy farming
activities and responsibilities. The technical committee also use external role players to
contribute to the success of the project. These role players include input providers and
government personnel (Outeniqua Research Station and Elsenburg). Input providers for
pasture seed, washing deterrents, feeding etc are selected through price criteria and
possible participation in the project. Epol Feed and Parmalat’s contribution to the project is
invaluable.
The success of the Elim project has been made possible by the financial and specialised
support from the various role players. Elim Dairy has a responsibility towards its community
and has to reinvest in milk supply to the schools, old-age and disability homes.
The further success of Elim depends on knowledge, management and a dedicated team to
drive the project. The passion and dedication of Willie Cronjé, mentor since 2013, is worth
mentioning. Willie is a feeding and pasture specialist and his enthusiasm and dedication
toward the Elim project is invaluable.
CONCLUSION
The positive effect of the mentorship funded by Milk SA is evident by the growth of Elim
through the past years. The number of cows in milk as well as average litre per cow has
increased, irrigation pasture was extended and Elim has future plans for further extension.
The financial situation of Elim is sound and they are functioning without any government
funding.