I am Mpendulo Qulo working as an intern in Fifehead dairy farm under Future Farmers program, called Future Ready program, the farm is based in Howick in the area named as Lidgetton.

I’m very grateful to Mrs. Judy Stuart who is my mentor for granting me with such a wonderful opportunity of being sharpened with dairy farming, every day I’m learning something new gaining incredible experience and having very memorable moments and learning new skills and this includes me gaining experience on how to milk the cows using a rotary milking system, how do I keep the herd healthy which helps keeps the milk production high so the farm will have good quality milk and make more profits. Also this program has helped me to gain experience on how to administer the vaccine to the cows, identify the cows on heat since I have been taught Artificial Insemination and also the core basic of identifying the lame cows and more especially treating and preventing Mastitis which is the biggest enemy of dairy farming.

I have had a very memorable moment where I was given a chance to Inseminate a cow before the insemination process, we do the speculation of the cow’s uterus. During the calving period I was helping the cows that are having difficulties to give birth “pulling a calf”. I am now equipped with skills to help keep the farm making more profits from selling excellent quality milk which includes keeping records. More especially this program has taught me how to manage finances and how to become a good employee.

I have observed that as a farmer you need to be always vigilant and give your level best in your work, so you will be able to keep your herd healthy.

I would like to wish all the Future Farmers family and their loved ones a very blessed and fantastic festive season # the future awaits us.