Exploring grazing management practices for sustainable cattle farming in the North West Province of South Africa

Abstract

This study explored how different grazing management practices can affect the sustainability of cattle farming in the North West Province of South Africa. The main objective of the study was to explore grazing management practices that support sustainable cattle farming in the North West Province of South Africa. The research examined how farmers apply and evaluate different grazing management practices. It further explored how these practices relate to ecological condition, operational decisions, and long-term farm viability. The study addressed the challenge of ongoing veld degradation, climate variability, and profitability pressures that continue to threaten sustainable cattle production in the region. A qualitative, exploratory design was used, using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with cattle farmers across the province. Using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysisapproach, the study found that although farmers value ecologically responsible grazingmanagement practices, several barriers to adoption exist. These barriers include high initial infrastructure costs, limited knowledge and uncertainty about outcomes, which restrict the adoption of high-intensity rotational grazing management practices. Stocking rate decisions, veld condition, and rainfall remain central drivers of management choices, while farmers who apply more sustainable grazing management practices report better veld recovery, greater resilience,and improved long-term productivity, sustainability, and profitability of their cattle operations. From a management perspective, the findings suggest that farmers require practical, context-appropriate support to transition towards more sustainable grazing frameworks. This includes accessible training, demonstration sites, financial guidance, and collaborative knowledge sharing between practitioners who have successfully implemented such grazing management practices. The study concludes that sustainable grazing management is both achievable and beneficial. The successful implementat