In February 2023, the Livestock Project at Kingswood was launched and has reached a significant milestone in its first year, successfully completing its first cycle of livestock sales and reinvestment.
In February 2023, the Livestock Project at Kingswood was launched and has reached a significant milestone in its first year, successfully completing its first cycle of livestock sales and reinvestment.
The Livestock Project aims to create a self-sustaining cycle of income through strategic investment in cattle – the profits of which will support the Legends Fund, a bursary fund at Kingswood.
According to Mr Chris Hobson (OK 1990), President of the Old Kingswoodian Club and head of the Legends Fund Committee, the project has not only met but exceeded expectations in 2024. The first batch of cattle, purchased with donor funds and seed funding, was sold at a profit, with all proceeds immediately reinvested into new livestock.
“We’re thrilled with the results of our first year. Bursary support is becoming more and more of a critical need in private schooling in South Africa, and the Livestock Fund is a creative way of turning donations into a living, growing asset that will provide long-term support for the bursary program” said Chris.
According to Chris, the project’s success is attributed in large part to the invaluable support of a small, but dedicated, group of farmers within the Kingswood community. A goal for the next year would be to grow this number, growing the impact of the project as a whole.
“You don’t need to be a farmer in the Eastern Cape to make a difference,” Chris explained. “There are countless ways to contribute or support the initiative. Farmers worldwide can pledge cattle by selling them at local auctions on behalf of the project. If you’re nearby, you can provide grazing for cattle in the KC herd. We welcome donations to purchase cattle and are open to loans for the same purpose. The opportunities for involvement and growth are tremendous. Just imagine the impact we can create together.”
A project of this size and complexity doesn’t succeed without strong leadership, and for this we must acknowledge father and son, Paul (OK 1977) and Murray (OK 2005) Hobson and Chris Hobson himself who are managing the livestock and sales. Their expertise in livestock management and business acumen have been crucial in maximizing returns and ensuring the health and quality of the cattle.
Even with the reinvestment of profits, the scale of the operation is still largely the same as 2023. With the goal to grow the herd in the coming years, Kingswood would be grateful to anyone who may be interested in getting involved, or can put the team in contact with those who they know would like to support a worthy cause.
For donations to the project, one can contact, Mrs Megan Erasmus in the Kingswood Foundation Office, or Mr Chris Hobson (+27 82 334 9583) for cattle-related queries.
