In the heart of Baringo County lies a 40-acre farm that holds the key to Jackson Keitany’s remarkable journey from financial struggle to dairy farming success. At the center of it all is Jackson Keitany, a dedicated dairy farmer who has managed to transform his farm’s fortunes through a simple yet powerful change – switching feeds.
In this article, WoK delves into the details of Keitany’s inspiring transformation and discover the key lessons that can empower other farmers in their pursuit of financial stability and growth.
Switching Feeds: A Game-Changing Decision
Not too long ago, Keitany faced a monthly loss of Ksh10,000 as he relied on commercial feeds. However, by recognizing the importance of feed quality and nutrition, he decided to make a bold move that would transform his fortunes.
His earnings have now increased by over Ksh40,000.
The Hay Solution
In May 2017, an intense drought ravaged the grass on Keitany’s farm, leaving him with no choice but to purchase hay from the market. Initially, he bought 55 bales at a cost of Ksh10 per liter of milk produced.
As the situation persisted, he purchased an additional 30 and 20 bales, respectively, at higher prices of Ksh58 and Ksh114 per liter. These expenses amounted to a significant cost of Ksh86,400 for the month.
Reducing Reliance on Commercial Feeds
Determined to find a sustainable solution, Keitany sought training from an NGO and the Ministry of Agriculture. Through this guidance, he learned invaluable techniques to minimize production costs by reducing his dependence on commercial feeds.
Harnessing the Power of Ehcma Rhodes Grass
Keitany’s turning point came when he started cultivating Ehcma Rhodes grass on one acre of his land. Renowned for its ability to promote high milk production in cows, this grass thrives in well-drained soil and exhibits a strong root system.
Keitany diligently sowed the grass during the rainy season, taking advantage of its rapid growth and ground-covering properties during dry spells.
Optimizing Grass Growth
To ensure optimal results, farmers are advised to sow approximately 5 kg of Ehcma Rhodes grass seed per acre, using a manual method to achieve proper distribution. Keitany followed this recommendation and applied 14 bags of CAN fertilizer per acre.
Remarkably, within just 20 days, the grass was ready for consumption, eliminating the need to purchase additional roughage.
Increased Profits and Sustainable Growth
Keitany’s strategic shift in feed choices has yielded substantial results. Previously, the hay purchased from the market cost him Ksh846 per liter of milk produced, but now he consumes 231 bales produced on his farm, surpassing his previous reliance on purchased hay by 102 bales.
With a monthly production totalling 1,583 liters, Keitany’s profit per liter sold has risen to an impressive Sh.106.
