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We are a true family business with the base farm, Koesanie already 5 generations in the family. Father Matthys (3rd) with two sons, Thys and Rossouw formed a company called Swart Broers Boerdery (Pty) Ltd. The two own farms are Koesanie and Koloniesplaas and are together around 1500 hectares. Two other farms Michellskraal and Rustwijk are also hired and make the total ha's around 2500 hectares.The latest development evolved new family partners: Helena (sister of Thys and Rossouw) and her husband Chris Niemand who manage Kykso "North" in the North Western Province. This part of Kykso is managed in a separate company called Drew Handelaars (Pty) Ltd.
Thys, Gertruida and Little Matthys visiting cattle farms in Europe Different farming branches exist with each one its own manager: 1) +1000 ha crops, consisting out of wheat, barley and canola are planted each year. This is managed by the youngest son Rossouw with 3 farm workers. 2) 600 - 1000 14 month old ostriches are slaughtered each year for export and are managed by father Matthys with the helping of 2 farm workers. 3) 3000 breeding Dohne Merino sheep are kept and are managed by Thys. (2 farm workers) 4) 200 Simmentaler cattle of which 120 are in the milk. Managed by Thys. (3 farm workers) 5)From 2006: Kykso "North" 60 registered Simmentalers (aim for 500 head of cattle), managed by Chris & Helena Niemand.
Our location is near the third oldest town in South Africa, Swellendam, halfway between the Langeberg mountain range and the Indian Ocean. The climate are Mediterranean climate with main rainfall during the winter. Our average rainfall is between 300-350mm per year. Summers are very hot and dry while winters are cool with occasional cold fronts that bring rain and showers. It seldom gets beneath -1 degree Celsius. The only snow in this area is once or twice a year on the highest peaks of the Langeberg mountains.
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kj.weir@optusnet.com.au with questions or comments about this web
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