This year has had a host of challenges, we’ve been very grateful for the breaking of the drought and the reasonable amount of rain we’ve received this year, however this has coincided with challenging economic conditions and a massively growing tax burden. 

As we navigate these challenges, we’re grateful for the continued enthusiasm and effort from the team, and support from our customers and suppliers. 

Crops 

Our seed sales have been strong this year, driven by good rains increasing farmer demand, regrettably coinciding with a shortage of farm saved seed due to the 2022 drought. 

We’ve had good bean, grass and sorghum crops, all passing KEPHIS inspections and providing reasonable yields. 

Livestock 

Our sheep are thriving, we now have 3 rams, adding a 3rd ram (Zeb) from Borana to our 2 rams (Jeremy and Caleb) from Mpala. We’ve received a marked increase in the number of twins being born, and all of the sheep delivered to Choice Meats have met their “prime quality” standard.

The cows have also had a good year, continuing to flourish after coming through the prolonged drought in good condition. We’ve had a great year for AI calves, which you can read more about here. 

The cows are a key part of our rotation, and provide critical cash flow between crop harvests keeping the farm afloat and salaries paid. 

Water 

We’re really pleased to have operationalised our borehole at the end of this year, this will be a transformative development for the farm, as we have always been plagued by water stress, especially in times of drought – this has been marked in recent years as we deal with more extreme drought combined with increased demand on local water sources.  

Additionally, as we dealt with borehole delays, we were able to benefit from the water harvesting investments put in place early in the year and in 2022, these will also reduce runoff and erosion, and provide drinking water to supplement the slightly saline borehole water. 

Wildlife

Loloto the elephant continues to choose the farm as part of his home, we’re honored to host him – despite the damage he wreaks on our fences, trees and general infrastructure. He is part of the rich ecosystem of the farm, with high levels of biodiversity flourishing alongside our crops and blended with our pastures. This has been threatened by a sharp increase in trespassers setting snares, to cruelly catch small animals for sale into local game meat trade. We’re working with KWS and local administration to address this.

(You can see more of the wide array of wildlife here.) 

Lamu 

Our tree planting campaign in Lamu is continuing well with over 200 fruit trees now established. We’re continuing to look after this incredible place, as we explore options to make the most of this space and location for recreation or business. 

Looking Forward

We’re hopeful 2024 will be our best year yet! With exciting new developments with the borehole, amazing genetics coming through with our cattle herds, and most of all, the continued commitment, capacity and dynamism of our team!