Update on Ducky Ngcobo and Summerhill Dairy Farm - March 2020

Subsequent to a proposal put together by Mr Stapylton-Smith in consultation with Mr Ngcobo, the Agri-business Development Agency have funded a new 20-point swing-over dairy at Summerhill Farm which has been operational since the beginning of March. Dramatic improvements in efficiency are already evident with milking time having dropped from three hours to one and the process now only requiring three people as opposed to six or seven. Feeding in the parlour is now an automated process, a great upgrade on the three-step manual process used before., while washing down the dairy is now also substantially quicker.

A new manager, Mr Loyiso Nomvalu, started at Summerhill in mid-January and with his AI experience has had a notable impact in improving the progeny on the farm. Mr Ngcobo also has one of his best maize crops this season on account of meticulous fertilizer and chemical application and the guidance of his mentor Mr Stapylton-Smith.

Photo cred: Lianne Ashton