GrowthShoot Cattle Investors
Zoopjesfontein Farm, Free State Province, South Africa.
With 2100 hectares of natural grassland, arable land and ample water, Zoopjesfontein Farm is ideal for livestock production. In fact, there is plenty of room for growth…
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The success of the cattle breeding portfolio with the backing of confident investors has encouraged GrowthShoot to aim higher.
Raising livestock,
Growing investments.
GrowthShoot Cattle Investors
Zoopjesfontein Farm, Free State Province, South Africa.
Keep reading
With 2100 hectares of natural grassland, arable land and ample water, Zoopjesfontein Farm is ideal for livestock production. In fact, there is plenty of room for growth.
The success of the cattle breeding portfolio with the backing of confident investors has encouraged GrowthShoot to aim higher.
About
The GrowthShoot journey
Dimakatso Nono Sekhoto (CEO) partnered with Dieketseng Keke Tooi (Livestock Manager) in 2011.
The journey started with a breeding operation of 400 head of Boran and Charolais cattle. Nono later founded GrowthShoot with the aim of developing sustainable models for startups in the agriculture sector, focusing on livestock.
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In 2014, GrowthShoot developed a private investment portfolio in cattle production, channelling capital for growth into the business. After 7 years of successful cattle breeding operations, GrowthShoot had delivered in excess of 30% returns to its investors, in absolute terms.
Recognising an opportunity to combine resources and capacity to scale the business to its fullest potential, GrowthShoot and its investors founded GrowthShoot Cattle Investors (GCI) in 2021.
GCI’s vision is to consistently achieve above average returns for its shareholders by investing in a variety of livestock production, targeting profits in excess of 15% over a 5 to 10 year period.
Leadership
The management team has more than 10
years’ experience in livestock production.
The Board is a formidable collection of experts in business management, ICT, Engineering, Governance and Community Development.
Leadership
The management team has more than 10
years’ experience in livestock production.
The Board is a formidable collection of experts in business management, ICT, Engineering, Governance and Community Development.
CEO
Nono Sekhoto has 11 years’ experience in agriculture, working as a commercial farmer and a leader in a national farmers’ association (AFASA). Nono is a board member of Agriculture Development Agency and trustee of SA Read Meat Development Trust. She founded GrowthShoot in 2014 and is currently the CEO.
Keke Tooi is an Agricultural Science graduate from Glen College of Agriculture, as well as a Making Markets Matter Inc. graduate. Her experience spans personnel management, cattle production and management, and product marketing. On the farm, she has mentored and facilitated over 13 students from different Agricultural institutions.
The cornerstone of Vusi Mkhondo’s career is the determination to expand his contribution to economic, business and community development. He is the founding partner and CEO of Lefika Securities, a well-established and respected firm with 64% of its employees as black and women professionals.
After 17 years as a senior public servant, culminating in the Head of Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Gabi Masilela is now the Chairperson and CEO of Siyaphambili Coaching and Consulting Services. She shares her considerable expertise by serving on several boards.
Sharon Shabangu is the founder of Complete Cycle Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in engineering, ICT, and change management. When not devoting her time to mentoring fresh graduates to help them advance in their industries, she works on her Ph.D. in Business Strategies.
Qhawe is an advocate of the High Court of South Africa. His areas of practice are general commercial litigation with a bias for labour disputes. He is an active volunteer in charity events for the Number 43 Trelawney Park Foundation.
Keke Tooi is an Agricultural Science graduate from Glen College of Agriculture, as well as a Making Markets Matter Inc. graduate. Her experience spans personnel management, cattle production and management, and product marketing. On the farm, she has mentored and facilitated over 13 students from different Agricultural institutions.
The cornerstone of Vusi Mkhondo’s career is the determination to expand his contribution to economic, business and community development. He is the founding partner and CEO of Lefika Securities, a well-established and respected firm with 64% of its employees as black and women professionals.
After 17 years as a senior public servant, culminating in the Head of Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Gabi Masilela is now the Chairperson and CEO of Siyaphambili Coaching and Consulting Services. She shares her considerable expertise by serving on several boards.
Sharon Shabangu is the founder of Complete Cycle Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in engineering, ICT, and change management. When not devoting her time to mentoring fresh graduates to help them advance in their industries, she works on her Ph.D. in Business Strategies.
Qhawe is an advocate of the High Court of South Africa. His areas of practice are general commercial litigation with a bias for labour disputes. He is an active volunteer in charity events for the Number 43 Trelawney Park Foundation.
Advisors
The Executive Chair of DNA Economics, Commissioner of the 1st & 2nd National Planning Commission, and serves as the Chair of Capital Harvest and the National Task Force on Impact Investing in South Africa. In addition to being the founder of many worthy initiatives, and serving on a number of boards, he is an expert in economics, policy, investments, general insurance, marketing, sustainability and empowerment.
Leads GrowthShoot’s investment strategy and stakeholder engagement. He is the executive director of the African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA), and also a director of Hortgro, South Africa’s leading fruit growers’ organisation. He was recently appointed to the Agricultural working group of the BRICS business council. He has over 40 years’ experience in the food industry and is passionate about food security.
A seasoned Corporate Financier with over 25 years of investment and commercial banking experience. He has played various leadership roles across some of South Africa largest banking institutions. His vast experience includes private equity, leverage finance, and business development.
Beef consumption is projected to increase by 19% by 2026.
A growing porfolio
Prospects are favourable for the commercial beef industry. It is the second fastest growing commodity in South African agriculture, after the chicken broiler sector. Locally, demand for beef is increasing steadily.
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Beef consumption is projected to increase by 19% by 2026. South African beef is also uniquely positioned for the export market given the quality, flavour and select cuts of beef cuts which are in high demand the world over.
Returns will be maximised by fully utilising the farm’s capacity of 600 breeding production cows, targeting premium weaner sales. Diversification of income can be sought through running a backgrounding weaner operation model of up to 3000 weaners cows per annum, targeting the feedlot market of up to 3000 sheep lambs per annum, and targeting the slaughter market.
Zoopjesfontein Farm
The home of GrowthShoot Cattle Investors is the 2100 hectare Zoopjesfontein Farm situated 40km from Senekal in Free State Province, South Africa
The farm has been in the Sekhoto family since 2008.
Grazing Camps
1100 hectares is made up of fully-fenced grazing camps of natural grassland with infrastructure.
Crops
900 hectares. This arable land is designated for sunflower and maize summer crops.
Cattle Handling
The farm boasts a newly renovated cattle handling facility for branding, medicating, and vet visits.
Water
There is ample water with a large dam and boreholes that provide irrigation as well as drinking water.
1100
Is made up of fully-fenced grazing camps of natural grassland with infrastructure.
900
This arable land is designated for sunflower and maize summer crops.
Newly-renovated cattle handling facility for branding, medicating, and vet visits.
There is ample water with a large dam and boreholes that provide irrigation as well as drinking water.
The GrowthShoot process
Livestock Operations
Cattle
Production
The sale of calves is spread over the year to take advantage of both the seasons and varying weaner market prices.
The cattle are mostly based in grazing camps, where they are inspected and counted daily.
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For efficient management of the herd, the cattle are grouped into categories such as production open cows, young heifers, pregnant cows, calving.
There are 2 breeding seasons during the year. Camp rotation ensures optimal health, weight and the reproduction of 1 calf per cow per year. Once the calf has been weaned from its mom, it is ready for sale.
Cattle
Handling
The correct handling of cattle is essential for both animal welfare and quality beef production.
The production programme includes the administering of medication, dipping, dehorning, branding and vet visits.
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The cattle handling facility is newly renovated and fully equipped. Temporary staff is employed as needed.
Purchasing
& Logistics
GrowthShoot has partnered with Mzwakhe Mthimkhulu of MC Trading in Senekal for the buying and selling of cattle.
This includes sourcing cattle for purchase from individual farmers and cattle auctions in the region.
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Viewing of cattle and price negotiation; transport of cattle; and sourcing potential cattle buyers.
The Livestock Market
There is a well-established cattle market in the region.
Over the years, GrowthShoot has built a strong and close relationship with Sparta, one of the top 5 beef cattle companies in the country.
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Sparta is the company’s primary buyer for weaner A grade sales, which fetch premium market related prices. Cattle is also supplied to local farmers and cattle auctions in the region.
The fact that livestock production is a growing industry provides great potential for growth.
Get in touch
About
Dimakatso Nono Sekhoto (CEO) partnered with Dieketseng Keke Tooi (Livestock Manager) in 2011 to run a cattle breeding operation of 400 head of cattle: Boran and Charolais breeds.
CIPC registration No:
2021/857027/07
Quick Links
Contact
E: help@GrowthShoot.co.za
A: Zoopjesfontein Farm
Senekal, 9600
