PIGGERY PROJECT

In 2008 a project was initiated in Aberdeen as part of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Agrarian Land. Sixteen beneficiaries were identified who showed an interest in pig farming, and the Aberdeen piggery was built. It is situated on municipal land 3km out of town on the Kliplaat road, on the outskirts of Lotusville, and comprises four piggery structures with 100 units per structure. 

Initially the project members started full of enthusiasm, but over time, five men have dropped out, with one new member joining the group. There were some problems in that not all the members kept to the strict hygiene standards required, and at the beginning of 2011 Lana Olivier was approached by two of the members to become their mentor. Olivier's father farmed pigs, so she has a great deal of experience to offer the group, and she has in turn enlisted the help of Aberdeen resident Karen van der Merwe.

The Department of Agriculture and Agrarian Land has assisted since 2009 by providing piglets and pig feed. Eight kilometers of fencing has been erected around the piggeries, an essential to prevent theft. A borehole was drilled, and the project has a solar-powered water pump as well as water tanks for rainwater.

A total of 27 jobs were created in the initiation phase, and casual workers are also employed from time to time. Most importantly, the eleven men and one woman who farm the pigs have been provided with an opportunity to learn skills which will enable them to generate an income to support their families.

Recent developments include the planting of lucerne for the pigs earlier this year. A new market has been found for the meat - the pigs will be sent to the abattoir in Graaff-Reinet, and the three major supermarkets have agreed to buy the pork.

Members of parliament with an interest in agriculture have visited the project, and have been very impressed by the achievements of the farmers and by the quality and healthiness of their stock. The farmers are very grateful to the various government departments for giving them this chance, and the skills passed on from their caring mentors are much appreciated.

The Aberdeen Piggery project has grown, with successful breeding of their own pigs ,so the farmers are now in a position to sell off some of their surplus animals. Over fifty pigs are available for purchase, mostly about six months old and weighing in from 60kg. The price is R12 per kg, which is discounted to only R10 per kg if more than one pig is bought. Nicholas Skosana, who has been tasked by the farmers to market the animals, explained that the farmers wished to give others the opportunity to start their own small farming initiatives.

Anyone who is interested in purchasing pigs can contact Fana May on 071 754 4029