LUCERNE GOODIES

I am very inspired by my uncle's lucerne garden.  I suppose he was just trying things out.  I am yet to embark on my very own forage project.  I believe in an organic lifestyle.  Why spend thousands on cattle supplements without knowing what is added to them?  Why not harvest all the nutrients, minerals and vitamins needed from nature through forage?  I can imagine all those nutrients found in grasses like lucerne (alfafa), and bloubeffel (buffalo grass), wheat etc.  With all the constituents that make up grass ending up in the digestive systems of cattle, one will rarely need to buy vaccines. 

My uncle's lucerne garden.

Lucerne is the best fodder.  The grass has 20% protein. It is a good compliment to maize.  It is leafy and low in fibre, breaking down rapidly into small pieces in the rumen. It quickly passes out of the rumen, allowing a greater intake of forage.

Image showing various stages of a cows digestive system. From the rumen, grass is expelled into the the mouth via the oesophugus for further chewing.

Lucerne is suited to naturally alkaline and free-draining soils. It is severely restricted on soils with pH below 6.2. Chalk and limestone soils are most suitable and waterlogged soils should never be sown to lucerne.

Generally, it is best to plant lucerne from March-May to minimize competition with weeds.  The grass has a deep root system and is exceptionally drought resistant.  

Nutrients found in lucerne are phosphate, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur.

I am surely going to kick start this project!

Purchase those standard Lucerne seeds from Agra Namibia.  But they from Agri-gro Namibia (Pty) Ltd.  

Wish me luck!...

BE INSPIRED...

These quotes are really beautiful and inspiring.  

"I have come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint, that's the best way to succeed is to discover what you love, and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you." - Oprah 

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER THE MOST

I have no words to describe my joy and fulfillment of being at the farm.  Its the little things in life that matter the most.  

Tea preparation...

I bet he couldn't wait to be free.

Bigman!  I was lucky enough to grow up with san people.  We played so hard when we were little.  Intelligent people.  They bliss very well with nature.

Brave little girl...She helped out alot with chores. 

Sun about to set.

Death valley...The grass in this area is dead. Has been like this for two years now. A bush fire is needed here.  And some bluobefel seeds.

Horses seen around...

Beautiful brahman herd!

My uncle's buddy.

SOME SNAP SHOTS FROM THE PAST WEEK...

It is really so nice to be home.  Especially for a part time farmer like me.  The work load can be extremely overwhelming.  At the end of the day I enjoy it and that is what matters.

My trip started with a drive to a farm near Grootfontein to pick up some pure breed 'Gerts' that I had manifested overtime. Being at that farm was a true inspiration for me.  The farmer had beautiful Gerts.  He told me how hard he has worked over the years.   One thing that inspired me the most is about how much he understands the value of the breed.  Seriously, a 12 month old heifer that can weigh 250kg. How amazing is that???  And a breed that has a lifespan of 13 to 15 years with excellent fertility. 

Commercial gerts on fodder.

Some 12 to 18 month heifers weighing an average of 250 kg. 

Pure breed 3 year old's getting rounded off for auction.   These are registered studs.

I love this bull.  It is tall, hardy and big boned. Its mother has an excellent calving record. 

This one is by far my favorite.  It has an excellent muscular frame and a beautiful white tail. 

Santa Gertrudis heifers in transit. 

Once we arrived at my homestead, we enclosed the heifers in a 1kmx1km camp so they can familiarize themselves with the new environment. I also gave them plenty of water and cow and calf lick. Prior to that we branded all the heifers.

...awaiting branding. 

They have been enclosed for two days.  They starving...

They very hungry still...

Good pair of old sneakers for farm work...

Its getting greener by the day...