After years of controversy surrounding the Estina Dairy Farm in the Free State – marked by mismanagement, corruption, and an eventual shutdown that resulted in job losses and a tarnished reputation – the project has now been revived under the new name, Phumelela Dairy.
The collaboration between the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) and project leaders has started bearing fruits, potential growth, and sustainability.
Ronald Rapholo, the training and transformation manager of the MPO Training Institute, said the partnership is starting to pinpoint crucial areas for enhancement and effective implementation strategies.
Breathing new life into Estina
“Our assessment served as a foundation for a sustainable turnaround, providing mentorship that guided the team through various challenges. The guidance of Terrence Maila, the farm manager, has been pivotal in navigating the farm during tough times, and his vision for future growth bodes well for Phumelela Dairy.
Estina Dairy Farm is now back in operation as Phumelela Dairy. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi
“The involvement of farmworkers has been essential; their existing skills and knowledge about dairy farming have significantly boosted milk production and farm management. Under Maila’s leadership, initiatives aimed at training and upskilling the workforce have led to improved outcomes across the board,” Rapholo said.
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Rapholo said that based on how the farm was known in the past, the focus on employee development not only enhances productivity but also provides stable employment, positively impacting the livelihoods of the workers and the local economy in Vrede.
“A strong sense of community and teamwork has emerged among the farmworkers, fostering cooperation and a shared commitment to the project’s goals. The current board has been supportive, actively engaging with the interventions.
Some of the dairy cows on Phumelela Dairy Farm. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi
“Key strategies included prioritising record-keeping and feeding management, which enabled better monitoring of cow health and nutrition, essential elements for increasing milk production. Training initiatives in dairy production and artificial insemination have empowered employees and community members, enhancing herd genetics and yields,” he explained.
A helping hand
Maila said government funding has provided critical financial relief, allowing the dairy farm to meet obligations while implementing improvements.
“The board receives monthly financial updates from an external accountant, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“The remarkable increase in milk production from an average of 9 litres to 20 litres per cow highlights the effectiveness of these strategies. With 145 cows in milk currently, the farm has adopted a more efficient model, milking fewer cows while yielding more.”
With the idea of having mixed farming, Maila said they are also looking into maize farming
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“As preparations for planting maize silage begin, the farm is poised for long-term sustainability and growth, with ambitious plans to expand the herd to 400 cows next year, aiming for a calving interval of less than 400 days,” he said.