What began in 2023 as an ambitious idea to turn Kingswood’s deep farming roots into a sustainable source of support for future generations has grown into something truly special. The Kingswood Livestock Fund has now completed its third year and, while still very much in its building phase, the project continues to gain steady momentum.
The vision behind the project is simple: create a self-sustaining cycle of income through strategic investment in cattle. Once the herd reaches 200 head, profits will begin to flow into the Legends Fund, supporting bursaries for deserving Kingswood pupils. Until then, every rand is ploughed straight back into growing the herd and strengthening the long-term value of the fund.
This past year has been one of steady progress. February kicked things off with a successful sale of 47 tollies, setting a positive tone for the months ahead. The year ended on an equally strong note with the 19 September 2025 Heritage Beefmaster & Benchmark Brahman Sale. At sale, held at the Hobson & Co yards in Makhanda, the project secured 8 Beefmaster heifers from Jono Bradfield (OK 1974). These heifers are now running with Edgar (OK 1977) and Buster Brotherton (OK 2006), where they’ll be mated to top Brotherton Beefmaster bulls under JustBeef. The plan is to market their progeny at the 2026 Heritage Beefmaster Auction – an exciting step forward for the project that we are incredibly excited about.
Outside of the excitement of the sale pens, Chris Hobson (OK 1990), Edgar and Buster, as well as Glenham (OK 1988) and Brett Knott (OK 1991), have all been hands-on in running cattle on behalf of the project. Their time, land, and expertise have played an invaluable role in keeping the wheels turning.
Not just Old Kingswoodians are involved – Mr Taine Hughes, Mr Jackie Pieterse and Mr Gerrit Meyer have helped their Old Kingswoodian friends through partnerships that show incredible community spirit toward this special cause.
Looking ahead, we hope to expand in 2026 by following the example of people like Clive Ingram (OK 1971), who donated R32 032 this year through the sale of five calves on the school’s behalf. Kingswood parents Rowan Stretton and Hilton Nagel are also steadily growing profits, with pledged cattle on their own farms donating meaningfully to the fund’s development.
At the heart of the Livestock Fund’s success is not only the herd itself, but the dedication of those who manage it. Paul (OK 1977) and Murray (OK 2005) Hobson, together with Chris Hobson, continue to steer the project with the same commitment and passion that built it from day one. Despite sector-wide challenges, including a foot-and-mouth outbreak earlier this year, the team adopted a careful, steady approach to growth. This has ensured the herd remains strong, healthy, and well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities in 2026.
“This is a project that really feels like it belongs to Kingswood,” says Chris. “It’s rooted in the values of hard work, stewardship, and community. Every animal we buy, raise or sell brings us one step closer to a fund that will make a real difference in the lives of Kingswood families.”
The Kingswood Livestock Fund continues to stride toward its long-term goal: a 200-head herd that will provide sustainable support to the Legends Fund year after year. To get to this, however, the project needs your support – wherever you are in the world, you can help us get there through participating in whatever way you can.
Until then, every sale reinvested, every new partnership formed, and every farmer who joins the journey brings that vision closer to reality.