Hollard Insure and Farmingportal.co.za and Agri News Net - Young Agri Writers awards
In the South African agricultural sector, two dominant forms of production exist: livestock and crop farming.
Although these two worlds function differently, they experience the same reality of climate change, economic pressure, and structural challenges. The 2023/2024 season clearly demonstrated how vulnerable both systems are , but also how their collaboration might be the key to long-term sustainability. This article explores the benefits, risks, and possibilities of both systems, and why an integrated model may be the most strategic path forward for South African farmers.
The world of livestock farming is deeply rooted in South Africa’s history and culture, particularly in drought-prone and vast regions such as the Karoo and Northern Cape. With livestock often seen as a form of “living savings account”, this system has for decades provided a reliable source of income and security for both commercial and small-scale farmers. Still, this world brings its own unique set of challenges. Between September 2023 and February 2024, a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak disrupted the beef industry, and the avian flu crisis between August and November 2023 brought the poultry sector to a standstill. While livestock is less dependent on rainfall, it is highly exposed to diseases, feed costs, and infrastructure constraints , such as load-shedding disrupting cold chains and feed production systems.
On the other hand, there is a world of high yields and broader opportunities. Crop farming – particularly maize, soybeans, citrus, and vegetables provides food security and generates valuable foreign income. With access to mechanisation, irrigation, and improved technology, many producers have increased their yields and profitability. Yet, the El Nino drought between January and March 2024 was a harsh reminder of the weather dependency of this farming model. A single hailstorm, pest outbreak or flood can destroy an entire season’s work. Crop farming can be highly profitable ,but only when the conditions are right, and that’s never guaranteed. In some ways, it’s like playing the Lotto.
What these two worlds share, however, is a common reality of uncertainty. Climate change, environmental threats, political risk, and market complexities impact both sectors equally. This is why we are seeing a growing trend among South African farmers to no longer choose between the two, but rather to combine them. A mixed farming system , where livestock and crops are managed together , offers a range of practical advantages that not only potentially reduce costs, but also strengthen long-term sustainability.
One of the key benefits is resource optimisation. Crop residues are reused as animal feed, which reduces waste and the dependence on expensive feed. Where irrigation systems are already in place, the presence of livestock increases the return on water use. Manure, in turn, serves as a natural fertiliser, reducing chemical input costs and enhancing soil health over time.
Furthermore, mixed farming contributes significantly to risk diversification. In a drought year with poor crop yields, income from livestock can act as a buffer and vice versa. Environmental and climate risks rarely hit both sectors equally at the same time, and cash flow from different production sources helps farmers maintain better financial stability. This approach prevents over-dependence on a single commodity or market.
Mixed farming also makes strategic sense from a labour and mechanisation perspective. Labour and equipment can be shared across both divisions, leading to more efficient use of resources. Crop rotation between grazing and planting improves soil health and reduces pests. Post-harvest grazing further fertilises the soil and restores natural cycles , all of which improve long-term soil fertility and resistance to erosion.
Even at a market level, diversification brings more stability. A farm that can supply both protein and staple crops has access to a wider range of markets, and is more attractive to grain buyers, financial institutions, and secondary producers. It is clear, then, that mixed farming is not merely a survival strategy but it is a smart, future-focused response to a rapidly changing agricultural environment.
The decision between livestock or crops is no longer an “either-or” question , but rather a “both-and” answer. The 2023/2024 season proved that these two worlds, despite their differences, share one harsh reality: instability. By working together within an integrated farming approach, they provide mutual support during tough times. This allows for both operational and financial adaptability and growth.
When livestock and crop farming are managed strategically together, it not only creates a more resilient farm , but also a stronger future for South African agriculture. And perhaps it’s exactly in the convergence of these two worlds that we will find the answer to sustainable, resilient food production.
I LOVE AGRICULTURE ECONOMICS whole heartedly and am proud to form part of the next generation leading and developing the Agriculture sector as I believe that I will make myself into the best Agriculture Economist South Africa has ever seen ! Haha. I work at SENWES in Klerksdorp.
