Sdelo Mikhail Ceza is a small-scale livestock farmer driven by an unwavering sense of duty to his ancestors, his family, and his land, Glendower Farm near Peddie in the Eastern Cape.

But his story is not just about the past; it is also about building a future in a sector in which producers like himself often struggle to prosper. Cattle farming is a time-honoured tradition in South Africa, and for many small-scale farmers like Ceza, it represents not just a source of income but a cultural inheritance, too.

A legacy worth cherishing

“My grandfather first tilled this land, eventually passing it down to my mother, Nonezile, who entrusted me with the responsibility of continuing the family’s farming legacy. Today, I am not only keeping the family tradition alive, I am growing it,“ says Ceza.

In 2023, he invested R3,2 million into upgrading the farm’s infrastructure, ensuring it was prepared to meet the demands of modern agriculture.

“This farm is not just a business. It is my heritage, and it is my responsibility to make sure it thrives. I want to pass this down to my children and their children.”

Ceza has already started training his 10-year-old son, Asakhena Amila, preparing him to eventually take the reins. “He is still young,” chuckles Ceza, “but it’s important that he learns the value of hard work. I want him to see that farming is not just about profit; it is about family, land, and legacy.”

Like commercial producers, small-scale farmers in South Africa face many hurdles, including access to resources, rising input costs, and environmental changes, all of which make it difficult for many to stay afloat.

For Ceza, the stakes are high. Cattle farming, while offering potential financial security, is fraught with challenges, from disease outbreaks to fluctuating market prices. Ceza’s approach, which includes investing in a reliable water source, building the best infrastructure possible, and ensuring biosecurity protocols, goes beyond short-term gains.

For him, it’s about fostering resilience in the face of these trials.

His herd, composed of 80 mixed-breed cattle, was recently bolstered by the addition of 23 Tuli heifers and a prized bull, a breed known for its adaptability to South Africa’s climate.

“The Tuli is perfect for this region,” explains Ceza. “They’re hardy, produce good-quality meat, and can handle the environmental stresses we face here.”

Importance of biosecurity

In an industry where diseases can have devastating effects on an operation, biosecurity has become Ceza’s lifeline. His farm boasts a 24-hour biosecurity system, preventing unauthorised individuals or vehicles from entering and potentially spreading disease.

“Biosecurity is non-negotiable. If I lose my cattle, I lose my livelihood. This system is my insurance policy,” he says.

Ceza’s attention to detail extends to every facet of his operation, from the paddocks where his cattle roam to his dipping system that helps keep ticks and other pests at bay.

“Everything has to be precise,” he says. “There is no room for error when you’re trying to build something that will last.”

A vision for the future

Ceza is not content with merely maintaining the status quo. With his recent acquisition of another farm in Qonce (formerly King William’s Town), he is expanding his operation, slowly but surely building what he calls a ‘farming empire’.

“I’m not just a farmer; I am an empire builder. I’m building something that will stand the test of time,” he says.

For Ceza, the future of farming goes beyond cattle and land; it embodies the promise of a better tomorrow for his family, his community, and other small-scale farmers across South Africa.

Through meticulous planning, strategic investments, and a commitment to legacy, he proves that small-scale farming can not only survive but thrive in the face of immense challenges.

His journey serves as an inspiration to farmers across the country, showing that with passion, hard work, and a long-term vision, it’s possible to build something truly enduring.

Advice for aspiring farmers

For other small-scale farmers or those interested in breaking into cattle farming, Ceza offers practical advice.

“Start with what you have, and make sure your infrastructure is solid. You don’t need a massive herd to be successful, but you do need to invest in quality cattle, good fencing, and a reliable water source,” he says.

Ceza also emphasises the importance of mentorship. “I was lucky to have my mother and grandfather to guide me. Now I am trying to do the same for my son and for other young farmers,” he adds.

Email Sdelo Mikhail Ceza at [email protected].