From livestock herder to farmer

Agripreneur Tobias Boyyas Haipinge went from being a livestock herder during early childhood to a part-time livestock and poultry farmer.

Haipinge, who has also opened his own butchery, farms at Tsinsibis in the Tsumeb district.

He ventured into faming about three years ago after researching the best investment options for himself and his family.

According to Agribank, with a handful of knowledge and skills acquired from his time as a cattle herder, his interest grew exponentially.

Haipinge’s butchery in Windhoek, which adds value to his business, sells livestock carcasses, goat or sheep heads and trotters, and chicken meat.

According to him, farming has contributed positively to his character development.

He added that he has become more persistent and patient and that he is grateful for having chosen this path.



Challenges

“Acquiring farmland continues to be great challenge for me. I am currently renting a piece of land in Tsintsabis. I am searching for a farm to purchase,” he told Agribank.

Haipinge said another challenge he experienced was acquiring livestock without sufficient knowledge of livestock management such as vaccination and dosages.

“I made a few mistakes here and there and lost over 45 sheep and about 30 goat kids, which was stressful and enough reason for me to quit, but I remained steadfast.”

The farmer said seeing his livestock healthy, fat and in growing numbers is a great feeling and sometimes he cannot stop staring at them.

Having his fellow farmers asking for advice from him is also a great feeling, he said.

Haipinge advised farmers to invest in quality breeds, maintain top-class rams or bulls and freely and willingly share information, especially with start-up farmers.

“To my fellow youth, everything you need to survive comes from farming. So, if you have no passion, let survival lead you to become a farmer. Farming is the future,” he said.