Eastern Cape Farm Visits – 6 to 15 March 2024
As part of its ongoing commitment to its members, Certified Wagyu Beef took on the task of visiting the Eastern Cape region in March of this year. The primary objective was to engage in one-on-one conversations with CWB members, listening to their concerns and effectively communicating the activities of CWB and WSA.
Fritz Bezuidenhout and his wife Monika undertook the road-trip visiting members on their farms and in their homes. We extend our gratitude to Monika for her valuable participation and adept photography skills throughout the journey.
The weeklong tour commenced in the Langkloof region, venturing to Tulpieskraal nestled in the heart of apple and pear country. Here, André Kritzinger oversees a small herd of Wagyu cattle alongside some magnificent bulls. Fanie Linde, his stud foreman, exudes enthusiasm for the Wagyu cattle and occasionally treats them to apples. André generously gifted Fritz with a whole box of these delicious fruits. One of André’s challenges lies in finding a suitable market for his Wagyu cattle.
Continuing his journey, Fritz received a warm welcome from Henk and Rinda Klopper at the Zuney valley near Alexandria. Here, they oversee a large herd that roams freely across the rolling hills and valleys of their farm. Since 2014, they, along with their son Henning and neighbours Denys and Melinda Wells and their son Devin, have been collaborating closely. Together, they operate their own butchery where they process the entire carcass. Renowned for their Zuney Wagyu Burgers, they have gained fame across the Eastern and Western Cape.
The journey continued with a visit to the home of Richard and Sarah Stevens, accompanied by their son Rob. Richard, a founding member of Wagyu SA, operates as a Wagyu seedstock farmer in the Alexandria district. Despite facing challenges with poor soil conditions, Richard diligently cultivates sorghum, oats, and chicory to sustain his herd’s feed supply. Rob primarily handles logistics and is currently honing his skills in herd management, while their other son, Charlie, is also actively involved in the family business.
Fritz then made a brief stop in East London to meet with Vuyani Goodman Langa and fellow farmers Namleli Ngozi and Malibongwe Ngabayena from Mthatha. They have been allocated approximately 32 million Rand by the OR Thambo District Municipality Farmers Development Corporation for the establishment of a feedlot in the area. This initiative involves collaboration with five cooperatives, aiming to benefit the people of that district.
Located on the edge of the forests and to the north of Stutterheim, Fritz visited Hove Farm, where Brandon Hartley tends to a small herd of Wagyu. Brandon receives significant support from his parents, particularly his mother, in his endeavours with his Wagyu venture. However, he faces a significant challenge in transporting his livestock.
Following a lengthy journey north of Barkley East, Fritz arrived at the farm Clearwater, where Wikus and Ann Venter, along with their son Willem, work alongside Ernst Penzhorn. Situated in a picturesque setting at the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains and near the Lesotho border, the farm faces significant challenges, particularly due to its remote location. One such challenge is ensuring that their Wagyu meat reaches the appropriate market.
Continuing his journey, Fritz enjoyed tea with Chris Purdon at his farm, Glenfinlas, situated in the Cathcart district. This beautiful farm boasts cattle kraals nestled among the mountains. Chris, another founding member of the Wagyu Society, began his Wagyu journey in 2010, solidifying his position as one of the pioneering Wagyu breeders in South Africa. Coming from a background as an experienced Angus farmer, Chris considers himself fortunate to have cultivated a loyal customer base for his exceptional meat. Furthermore, he is eager to lend his support to others in the area seeking to bring their products to market.
Jacques and Riana Le Roux of Kalharoo in the Cradock district extended a warm welcome to Fritz. This dynamic young couple began breeding Wagyu in 2014, initially with embryos imported from Australia. Today, they boast a substantial herd and even employ Jersey cows as surrogates, resulting in offspring that bear resemblance to Jerseys but with a darker colour due to the Wagyu influence.
Jacques has built a strong clientele who recognize the quality of the Wagyu meat he provides. The cattle are raised on their farm and finished in their own feedlots, where they are fed a special feed formulated on-site. Transportation is only required for slaughtering, with the carcasses returning to the farm for processing in their butchery.
Riana adds a unique touch by crafting a delightful soap derived from the Wagyu fat infused with citrus. Jacques has ambitious plans for the future, including the construction of a new butchery and expansion into overseas markets. Additionally, he expressed his readiness to support emerging Wagyu farmers in his district.
The final visit was to Karen Perry and her son Neil’s farm in the Karoo. Over lunch, Karen shared some of the challenges she faces on the farm. She expressed gratitude that her son is joining her to provide assistance. Situated just under 100 km north of Cradock, the arid landscape of the Karoo is unmistakable. Bushfires pose a significant threat, particularly during dry periods like the present. Karen recounted a frightening experience when a large portion of her farm was engulfed by fire.
The CWB is strategizing visits to its members across different provinces to engage in discussions regarding any challenges they may be facing. The primary aim is to reassure farmers that the CWB remains steadfastly committed to facilitating Wagyu meat producers in accessing both local and export markets.
