Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
- The Groot River Mountains, a significant feature between Willowmore and Jansenville, provide a scenic backdrop to the farm Worlds View, owned by Kosie and Hennie Mentz, where they raise Boer goats and Meatmasters.
- The Mentz brothers prioritize strict breeding standards and focus on quality genetics, viewing each new season as an opportunity to improve their herd’s characteristics and reproductive success.
- The Doornpoort Genetics group, managed by the Lötter family, has been instrumental in the brothers’ success, providing valuable guidance on breeding practices and market development.
- Reproduction management on their farm includes timed mating, strategic feeding, and careful ram selection, achieving a conception rate of 90% and focusing on high fertility and resilience in their goats.
- Despite recent droughts, favorable market conditions and recent rains have allowed the Mentz brothers to sell their Boer goats directly from the veld, boosting their farm’s economic stability.
The Groot River Mountains between Willowmore and Jansenville is a prominent feature of the region, towering over the area at a height of 810m above sea level. These mountains are also what makes the Fullarton and Miller area, home to Kosie and Hennie Mentz’s farm, Worlds View, so special. The hardy Boer goats and Meatmasters they farm are their pride and joy, and they focus on improving these animals with each new breeding season.
Read more about managing bull and cow health in the breeding season.
It soon becomes evident when talking with the two brothers that they never follow shortcuts when it comes to the business of farming. Kosie bought Worlds View in 2014. When asked about the part that the Doornpoort Genetics group plays in their success, he summarises it as follows: “It is a privilege for us to be part of this incredible group managed by the Lötter family. Not only are they among the country’s best Boer goat breeders, but they also happen to be our neighbours.
“From the outset, Boy Lötter gave us advice on managing our flock, making the right selection decisions, and what we needed to do to develop a sustainable market for our animals. Kobus Lötter, whom we regard as the ‘captain’ of Doornpoort Genetics, always has some valuable advice for us.”
Improving year on year
This input assisted Kosie and Hennie in managing the Worlds View Boer goat stud (no 1805), along with a commercial Boer goat and Meatmaster flocks. Both regard the farming business as an economic unit they want to improve on and expand by way of new farming divisions, top genetics, and sustainable progress.
“You need to put in the work if you want your breeding values to be good, and this requires staying at the forefront of improvement.” For that reason, the brothers perform strict selection on the farm. “It starts with your replacement ewes, ram selection, and buying in new rams,” says Kosie. “Our goal is to make sure we stay ahead of the curve. This means every new breeding season needs to improve on the one before, and this requires eliminating any weak links.”
They are very critical when it comes to selection and perform the process strictly according to breed standards, stud traits, and the innate values of the Boer goat. “Drought in the Karoo is a given and for that reason we select for key traits such as hardiness, fertility, good mothering ability, multiples, and measurable growth values.”
Factors supporting reproduction
A producer must farm in harmony with the environment, Kosie explains, as this allows him or her to know when the animals are at their most fertile and to prepare them for optimal reproduction. “Animals that are in good condition will have a good conception rate, and producers that support this process will reap the rewards. But be aware of things that can complicate management, such as a too lengthy lambing period. To avoid this, we make sure that animals are mated under favourable conditions on the veld, and that enough lick is available while they’re on the veld to keep ewes in good condition.”
Because the Boer goats are bred naturally, good timing plays a big role in the conception rate of the ewes. This figure is currently at 90%. The process basically consists of the following steps:
- Ewes receive flush feed beforehand as it contributes to optimal reproduction.
- A teaser ram is placed with the ewes.
- Certain ewes and rams are paired based on the desired breeding values.
- The ram-ewe ratio is one ram to 20 ewes.
- The mating period is six weeks.
- A ewe is given two chances to conceive.
- Ewes usually lamb in lambing pens from March to early May.
- Ewes and lambs are kept together in small enclosures for six to eight weeks after which they go to the veld.
Marketing considerations
Worlds View Boer goats’ main market is stud auctions, including that of the Eastern Cape Boer Goat Club. Commercial rams are sold directly from the farm to interested breeders.
The prolonged drought put most farms on the backfoot economically, but the good rains received during the past year meant that producers did not have to feed their animals. “For the first time in six years, we can market our Boer goats and sheep directly from the veld, which certainly has a major positive economic impact on our farming business,” says Kosie.
“The Boer goat slaughter market is much more stable and because demand exceeds supply, our animals currently fetch excellent prices. Producers generally try to market and sell their animals when prices are favourable, although this isn’t always possible.
“For example, if we retain the Meatmaster lambs for longer due to a weaker market, we will be exceeding the veld’s carrying capacity, which will adversely affect our cashflow and create more pressure. It is therefore essential to consider factors such as selection and the adaptability of a breed to help you through the more difficult patches.”
The Boer goat market, emphasises Kosie, is an exclusive one in the stud industry. “That is why Hennie and I make it our mission to keep the Worlds View name high.”
For more information, contact Kosie Mentz on 082 379 8959 or at km@stm.co.za. – Carin Venter, Plaas Media
