RANCH MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR

RANCH NUMBER 34 - MK, 4965 HA, OKWA/GWANA RANCHES.

SUBMITTED TO

GHANZ I LAD BOARD

BY

GAGOITSIWE MOREMEDI

13 SEPTEMBER 2010

This plan is submitted in partial fulfillment of Ghanzi Land Board requirements.

PARTICULARS OF APPLICANTS:

1. MR. GAGOITSIWE MOREMEDI

P O Box 2484, Gaborone

Contact Number: 71542323 / 3158430 / 3158427

Nationality: Motswana

2. MRS. KEIKANELWE MOREMEDI

P O Box 2484, Gaborone

Contact Number: 71542323 / 3158430 / 3158427

Nationality: Motswana

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PROJECT BRIEF

INTRODUCTION

The project promoters have a vision to profitably and ethically venture into animal rearing, with

main focus on quality and purpose. The intention is to venture into livestock ranching on a

commercial and diversified basis to include livestock and fodder production. Fodder production

will be an essential component of the production system for the enhancement of animal nutrition.

Enhanced animal nutrition is essential for the improved productivity of the livestock sub-sector.

According to Moreki (2009), beef production is the most important agricultural enterprises in

Botswana. Moreki (2009) further noted that the performance of the beef industry is not

satisfactory on the account of overgrazing, low levels of productivity as measured by calving,

mortality and off take rates. The project therefore seeks to develop an enterprise that will be

productive, profitable and sustainable by putting in place a management structure that will guard

against overstocking and the resultant overgrazing.

PROJECT IMPLIMENTATION

The project is to be implemented in two distinct phases. The first phase entails understanding a

survey to determine vegetation survey and density as well as citing the location of water point(s)

and will culminate in the drilling of boreholes. This initial phase will also include the

construction of handling facilities. This will be followed by stocking the farm. The second phase

of the project will include erecting the perimeter fences, internal fences and the establishment of

fodder crop. The establishment of the fodder crop is essential and critical given the known low

nutritive value of most of grass species prevalent in Botswana. Poor nutrition is one of the

constraints in the livestock industry and is one of the reasons for poor performance of the

livestock sub-sector . The ranch will have as its core a herd of cattle and smallstock. These two

types of animals have varied grazing tendencies and feed requirements. According to

Moreki(2009), citing the Department of Veterinary Services Report (2008) small stock

population in Botswana is less than 1 million ( 161 100 and 576 663sheep and goats

respectively ), and the same report further states that there are approximately 2.3 million cattle

located in both ranches and commercial areas. About 70% of the national cattle herd is in the

communal areas where no selection is done with the random breeding. Farming in the

communal areas is generally characterized by poor management practices, hence the low off take

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rate. Moreki (2009) noted that Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture plans to increase the national

cattle herd to 3.5 million and off take rates from 8% to 20%. The project therefore intends

contribute towards the attainment of these targets through proper management of cattle and

smallstock. The initial herds sizes will be as follows:

\

TYPE NUMBER

Cows 150

Bulls 6

Does 150

Bucks 6

Ewe 150

Ram 6

It is noted that subsequent increases will be determined by the established carrying capacity of

the ranch on account of the vegetation cover and density as well as the level of fodder

production.

Smallstock will be an important component in the production rate of small stock, particularly by

goats is four times faster than cattle and with proper management small stock will start

generating income earlier than beef production. Additionally, the price of per kg of chevon ( goat

meat) is almost double that of beef. It has been reported that in 2008 alone 62 tons of chevon

was imported into Botswana (Moreki, 2008).

According to the Department of Veterinary Services Report (2008) as cited by Moreki (2009),

the demand for breeding season small sock is high .During 2008/09 plan period 705 and 10 646

live sheep and goats respectively were imported as breeding stock. Furthermore imports of

mutton and lamb increased from 42 tons. It is estimated that 307 369 and 63 tons of lamb,

mutton, and chevon were imported respectively in 2008. In 2007, imports of lamb and mutton

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were 94 tons and 42 tons respectively. It is worth noting that smallstock is more drought tolerant

than cattle and as such they may assist to cushion or absorb the risk associated with drought.

RANGE MANAGEMENT AND RANCH DEVELOPMENT

RANGE MANAGEMENT

In Botswana, livestock depends to a large extent on extensive grazing of native rangeland pastures. These

native ranchland pastures have low nutritive value and as a result do not adequately provide for the

nutritional requirements of livestock. This coupled with overgrazing contribute in no small measure to

low productivity and reduced farm income. The promoter is to address this challenge by extensively

undertaking fodder production. Fodder production will not on its own provide all the feed requirements

for livestock.

This will have to be complimented by appropriate grazing systems. When properly applied, grazing

systems are useful tools to help rangeland and livestock managers to achieve management objectives

related to rangeland and livestock production such as forage production, average daily gain, as well as

those related to ecosystem structure ( e.g. erosion control, water quantity and quality)

Grazing system is basically a planned effort by rangeland managers to leave some grazing areas unused

for at least part of the year. With respect to this particular management plan it will not be possible to

select a proper grazing system as that is contingent upon the uniqueness of the setting in which it is

applied. The survey alluded to earlier on to determine topography; soils, vegetation type, general climate

etc will inform the selection of the grazing system.

The appropriate grazing system (s0 will be selected after the survey from the following range of systems;

season-long, rest rotation, seasonal suitability, best pasture and short duration.

STOCKING RATE

The stocking rate is to a large extent influenced by the type plus density of animals to reared. The guiding

principle in the ranch management will be quality as opposed to quantity. It will be ensured at all times

that the stocking rate does not exceed the carrying capacity of the ranch. Notwithstanding the above, it is

envisaged that the operations will start with at least 150 cows, 4 bulls and 150 goats.

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PADDOCKING

We shall establish paddocks that we will assign to each type of animal. Paddocking will ensure

that we maintain a healthy grazing area for our stock. Paddocking also ensures easy access and

follow up on the count of our animals to augment the tracking systems that we will implement

with the help of veterinary companies.

CONTROL OF VELD FIRES

We will construct fire guards in and around our ranch to protect the vegetation in case of a veld

fire from outside. We will minimize the chances of causing veld fire from within our ranch;

hence our employees will be trained and cautioned on the dangers of starting fires.

RANCH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

FENCING – Knowing the exact boundaries of our ranch is good business and will help

avoid problems should question arise if and when neighboring farms are sold. We will

use permanent fences around our ranch and temporary fences within our farm. We will

use wood, barbed wire, wire panels and electric fences. We will fence also for security

reasons.

MANURE MANAGEMENT – Solid, semi-solid, liquid; each of these will be handled in a

different way to effectively use the manure. We will also use the composting method for

storage of our manure.

PASTURE MANAGEMENT – By rotating pastures through the paddock system we will

minimize any run-off effects.

SOIL CONSERVATION- We will minimize any activities that will cause deforestation

and we will also ensure that we plant trees and plants where necessary to avoid soil

erosion.

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RANCH DEVELOPMENT

The ranch will be developed in two distinct phases as indicated in the table below:

PHASE 1 ACTIVITIES DURATION / MONTHS PHASE 2 ACTIVITIES DURATION / MONTHS

Survey

12 – 18

Erecting perimeter fence

24 – 48

Citing of water point(s)

Drilling Erecting internal fences

Construction of

handling facilities

Establishment of fodder

crop

StockingCommence commercial

activities

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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Potential Impact

Mitigation

Vegetation clearance

Vegetation clearance will be limited to areas under excavation and and

construction. This will be minimal

The developer intends to grow trees in the ranch, and prone instead of

cutting trees where necessary and some of the trees will provide fodder for

stock.

Potential Impact

Mitigation

There is potential for soil erosion as the soil is disturbed during excavation

and scrapping of overburden.

Soil pile stabilization will be considered and vegetation and overburden

clearance will be done in a phased process in line with the pace of

production.

Potential Impact

Mitigation

There is potential for dust generation during construction of kraals and

civil structures.

Dust suppression measures like water suppression shall be considered

including the provision of safety clothing for the workers.

Impact

Mitigation

Sewage / Drainage and Waste

We will use conservancy tanks, to separate liquids from sludge, and they

will be empting of the tanks occasionally. Solid, semi-solid, liquid; each

of these will be handled in a different way to effectively use the manure.

We will also use the composting method of storage of our manure.

Manure generated will be used in the fodder production to improve yields.

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Environment: This shall entail the clearing up of the internal line for perimeter fencing as well

as internal fences (paddocks). Clearing to be done for fodder production shall be carried out with

utmost care for vegetation and soils to ensure that the place is not disturbed of its natural

environment outlook.

Sanitation: Construction of ablution facilities conveniently on the ranch shall be done according

to the standards of the Ministry of Health. This shall be done such that there is a toilet unit for

every 12 people at all material time during the operation of these facilities.

Waste Management: Strategically positioning of waste skips and rubbish bins around the ranch

to ensure that all material waste is disposed off in an environmentally sound manner. The rubbish

bins to be adopted are those with a self closing mechanism accompanied with maintenance

workers who will be picking up any material waste on the ranch.

Chemicals: The use of chemicals will be minimal. They will be used mainly for cleaning

purposes and veterinary services. Organic agriculture will be practiced for fodder production.

Waste Water: Will be collected and recycled and reused to water the gardens and other suitable

purposes.

Food and Beverages: Provision of food and beverages will be guided by clear waste

management, health and safety standards to be religiously adhered to by each worker at the ranch

or visitors.

Harmful Emissions: Effects of harmful emissions such as automobile emissions, industrial emissions and the emissions from the power using coal are negative and our facilities shall not produce any of the harmful emissions such as CO2.

By reducing our energy demands is a way to move nearer to carbon neutrality. Reducing the heating level in our project is of priority e.g. by introducing solar power.

Fire Fighting: For safety smoke detectors, automatic water sprinklers and fire extinguishers will be installed. We shall put the response numbers for fire fighters in every building and ensure there are easily accessible escape routes from any buildings and ranch. Fire breaks will be constructed along the perimeter fences as well as along the internal fences.

.

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PROJECT BENEFITS

SOURCE OF INCOME. Animal rearing is an integral part of the farming systems in Botswana,

playing an important role in the economy, especially among the small holder farmers to whom

they provide through the sale of live animals. It is encouraged that the project will raise enough stock

to sell to all available markets. The project will in the long-term produce quality cross-breeds to sell

as bulls to emerging farmers.

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FOOD SECURITY. The project will enhance food security at both household and national levels in

that it will employ a number of locals, provide income to promoters and sell beef to BMC for export. .

GOVERNMENT POLICY. This project will contribute though in a modest way towards the

attainment of the broader goals of sustainable management and utilization of Botswana’s

natural resources.

EMPLOYMENT CREATION. This project will complement government efforts to alleviate

poverty by contributing towards job creation. Infrastructure development of the ranch will

create employment for a significant number of local people in the same vein the fodder and

livestock component of the project will also create employment for Batswana. The project

will also generate income for the promoter and his immediate family.

SELF RELIANCE. It will also be a good source of quality meat products: This project will

produce quality animals which will provide quality meat for the local market hence less need

for imports.

WASTE can be used as fertilizer.

.

EMPLOYMENT & MANAGEMENT

SKILLS

Mr. Moremedi will be able to execute on the project because of his invaluable skills:

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Advanced Degree in Agriculture

Mrs. Moremedi is also holding an advanced degree in agriculture and is currently pursuing a

Masters Degree in Business Administration

A top down management style will be used, in which hierarchy plays an important role in

delegating and ensuring that objectives are met.

The promoters shall be responsible for the general management of the project.

ORGANOGRAM

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MR & MRS MOREMEDIMR & MRS MOREMEDI

RANCH MANAGER RANCH MANAGER

CASUAL LABOURERSCASUAL LABOURERSHERDs MAN X 5HERDs MAN X 5

RANCH ASSISTANTRANCH ASSISTANT

ROLES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

PROMOTERS (Mr. & Mrs. Moremedi)

Responsible for ensuring the purchase and implementation of appropriate technologies

for the project and ensure its sustainability and quality assurance with the aid of

suppliers, specialists etc.

Establishing and managing profitable business development strategies

Overall responsibility for ensuring profitability of operation.

Ensure training of employees.

RANCH MANAGER

The ranch manager will be responsible for day to day technical operations of the farm as

well as supervision of farm workers..

FARM WORKERS

Herdsmen will be responsible for the well being of the animals on daily basis.

General work required to be done on the farm.

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MARKETING

The Botswana cattle farming industry – a specialised Livestock husbandry sector is in a period of relative

stability. The market is growing in response to the support from government and farmer educational

initiatives. Although the cattle sector in Botswana has remained the mainstay of the economic activity in

much of rural areas the benefits have not been gained much especially that most of the projects are small

scale and not professionally run.

TARGET MARKET.

Individuals

This group of consumers is more likely to make their own meals instead of

going out, and generally cuts cost across all the socio/economic classes

Food Processers Senn Foods, Hurvitz Group Market, BMC, Sea Foods

Restaurants

Jaritus Café, Runic Verses, Hot Chicks, Rodizio, Linga Longa, Primi Piatti,

Curry Pot, Bull & Bush, Barcelos, Dros, Moghul, News Café, Red Lantern,

Wimpy, Tripple R.

Supermarkets

GFS Supermarket, Score Supermarket, Choppies, Payless, Mathews Spar,

OK Foods, Pick n Pay, Food Mart, Pop Inn, Shoprite, Supa Save, Tshipidi,

Oasis, Checkers, Marang.

LodgesKhawa Safari Lodge, Tautona Lodge, Cresta Lodge, Innisfrees Apartments,

Yarona Lodge, Big Five, Bluetown Lodge, Jonas Inn, Debswana Lodge,

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Kabong Villa, Kgale View Lodge, Victoria Lodge.

HotelsGrand Hotel, Cresta President Hotel, Gaborone Hotel, Mogo Hotel, Grand Palm Hotel.

Educational InstitutionsUniversity of Botswana , Academy of Business Management, Limkokwing, GIPS, Botlhale English Medium, Candar Academy and Technical college,

Hospitals & ClinicsNaturesse Health Center (F/Town) Marina Hospital, Gaborone Private

Hospital, Reproductive Health Services and Family Health Clinic.

Government BDF, Institutions, Events & Ceremonies.

ButchersMpepe Butchery, Afro Butchery, Knockout Butchery, Taung Butchery,

Boiteko Butchery, SellRite Butchery, Smorden Butchery, TTT Butchery.

Poultry ProducersAce Layer Farm, Bobbsie’s Chickens, Goodwill Chickens, Moult Poultry

Farm and anyone looking for incubating services.

DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL.

We shall use a truck to be purchased to deliver the goats to the customers and also for going to

procure them from suppliers.

When we start producing our anticipated high quality meat, we would be consistent in our supply

to the market so that our customers will always have the privilege to choose the meat that comes

from our animals. Consistency is a fundamental aspect for the success of any farmer in this

market hence it should be observed at all times. It will be important therefore that we become

consistent in our supply of high quality meat to our market

MARKET GROWTH

There is great potential for growth in the industry since coupled by growth in population largely

due to an influx of foreigners into Botswana. We will grow this project through in house

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intensive breeding, purchase of more breeding stock and investing through new farmlands in

other areas around Botswana.

Our product portfolio is to increase based on market demand and may venture into other related

businesses. We will also consider investing in other related business activities such as birds

rearing (Chicken, Goose etc) as one of his future goals.

MARKETING MATERIALS

We intend to produce the following materials for advertising:

Website, Email newsletters, Direct mail, Newspaper and magazine ads, Virtual tour presentation,

Fliers, Brochures. We will also attend Agricultural Shows.

ADVERTISING

Advertising Medium Contact Name Tel /Fax Email / Website

The Advertiser TBA 3914788 TBA

The Guardian TBA TBA TBA

Farmers’ Magazine Botswana TBA Tel:3907785 www.farmersmagbots.com

BTC Telephone Directory TBA 3907785 www.btcdirectory.co.bw

Botswana a.c braby Yellow Pages TBA 3971444 TBA

We will also value the importance of referrals. We will also erect sign boards in and around our area and

close towns that will show every detail about our existence and location including contact details.

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RISK ANALYSIS

SUPPLIERS. The government’s animal department store is a proven reliable supplier of animal

vaccines and other animal husbandry requirements. Suppliers in the trade have lots of experience

and financial muscle to keep on supporting our project. We do not anticipate suppliers stopping

their supplies unless there is a major shortage of foreign currency. But it is also unlikely.

TRANSPORTATION. There is not much transportation requirements apart from occasional

transportation of feeds and animals. As the project progresses there may be need at a later stage

to procure a vehicle for transportation of cattle as the quantities will dictate.

PROJECT RISK CONTINGENT MEASURE AND SOLUTION

1. Death of cattle as a result of uncontrollable

disease/Poor health due to disease.

The Project promoters will always seek advice from the experts such as

veterinary doctors. The project promoters will approach a suitable

Insurance Company and will insure the cattle as soon as the project

commences.

There are predators such as Lions, Jackals and Routine checks will be done by the cattle keeper who will ensure that the

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Hyenas which can impact negatively on the

production of livestock.

livestock is safe at all times.

Death of cattle and small stock as a result of

accidents

If cattle are to be transported we will choose times which there will not be

much traffic such as early hours for transportation and also observe good

driving.

Death of cattle as a result of fire , explosion and

lightning

Proper farm fire protection mechanisms such a fire guards will be part of

the ranch.

Theft of cattle Cattle will be branded and inserted with bolux and other resources to

ensure security of livestock.

Death of cattle as a result of poisonous plants If plant poisoning is suspected, a post-mortem, examination of the rumen

contents would provide confirmation of the cause by finding leaves and

stems of the poisonous plant. Generally the grass is made up of Aristida

uniplumis (Tshikitasane), A. meridionalis (Seloka), Eragrostis

pallens, Cymbopogon excavates, Aristida uniplumis, and Eragrostis

pallens which tend to dominate.

We will continually identify poisonous plants and destroy them through

burning (just the tree and not the velds), uprooting or cutting. Further

relevant medication will always be available.

Retention of experienced Staff Introduce staff incentives for them to stay and also ensure all staff are

trained on cattle diseases, symptoms, cure and feeding among other areas.

Impotency in male cattle The project will identify males with good hereditary background. The

project will also keep hereditary records of its current stock. We will

always have substitutes male stock to service the females

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths

Management will bring in expert business experience since he

is working in a top managerial position.

Weakness

We would be a small player.

We cannot supply end-users abroad

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Management is committed and confident.

Market demand is not seasonal

Limited budget.

Processes and systems have to be developed.

Opportunities

The ability of livestock to browse makes them of particular

importance to Botswana, where there is an abundance of

species for them to browse (acacia for example) which provides

forage year round and will come into leaf before the rain start.

Proper forage management system

Availability of VET support from government

Availability of raw materials e.g. feeds, vaccines

Availability of government short training courses on animal

husbandry

Threats

Disease outbreaks

Retention of key staff critical.

Possible negative publicity on Botswana Cattle meat and the

susceptibility of Foot and mouth disease which normally

spills over from Zimbabwe.

Staff turnover.

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