In the landscapes of Homa Bay County, a green revolution is underway, transforming the lives of dairy farmers like Sheila Okoth.
As demand for animal feed surged in the region, Sheila decided to take a leap of faith, leaving her teaching job to venture into fodder production.
“I put the chalk down and ventured into fodder production to increase my income. Farming is also my passion,” Okoth said during an interview with the Star.
Little did she know that this bold move would not only increase her income but also ignite her passion for farming.
Here is her story as told by WOK
Homa Bay’s dairy farmers, including Sheila, were grappling with the financial strain of purchasing expensive feed from neighboring counties like Kisii and Migori.
Feeding her eight dairy cattle, which produced up to 100 liters of milk daily, was becoming a financial burden for her.
Often, she relied on discarded salad from markets to supplement the feed. However, it was not a sustainable solution.
Driven by a deep-rooted passion for farming, Sheila decided to harness her two-acre plot located near River Arujo in Kalanya Kanyango.
Armed with the knowledge gained from training at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Mbita town, she set out to create a sustainable fodder farm that would cater to the needs of her cattle.
The heart of Sheila’s fodder farm lies in a diverse range of grasses, carefully chosen for their nutritional content and growth capacity.
At the core of her farm stands the ever-reliable napier grass. Rows of holes, 30 centimeters deep and half a meter apart, cradle each napier cane, ensuring optimal growth.
Within two to three months, when the grass is teeming with nutrients, Sheila harvests it and expertly cuts it into bite-sized pieces to feed her animals.
This simple practice has alleviated the need to purchase costly feed, easing her financial burdens significantly.
Apart from napier, Sheila has embraced other high-yielding grasses like brachiaria, Boma Rhodes, and sugar blaze.
The addition of brachiaria has proved to be a game-changer, providing an excellent alternative to silage and hay during droughts.
The process of cultivating brachiaria is similar to that of napier, with sprouts being planted and covered with soil.
“All these I sell and get money. I don’t regret venturing into this business,” she said during an Interview with the Star.
The wait for maturity takes around four months, and after the initial harvest, subsequent ones follow every six to seven months.
The richness in protein of brachiaria has not only boosted milk production but also fortified Sheila’s resolve to continue this agricultural endeavor.
With the expansion of her farm, Sheila recently introduced Boma Rhodes, a grass variety known for its hay-making potential.
Seeds purchased from a local agrovet were broadcasted across the field, and now Sheila awaits her first harvest this month.
Diversifying her fodder production further solidifies her foothold in the market while ensuring the nutritional needs of her cattle are met throughout the year.
Despite the numerous advantages of fodder farming, Sheila has encountered her share of challenges.
The intrusion of neighboring animals onto her farm has been a recurring issue. However, she believes that fencing her land will be a worthwhile investment in safeguarding her crops and ensuring uninterrupted production.
Additionally, the dry seasons pose a threat to her feed production, demanding creative solutions to preserve water and maintain consistent growth.
Pumping water, an essential component of fodder farming, comes with its own set of expenses. The use of generators consuming fuel has been a necessary but costly aspect of maintaining a constant water supply.
Finding more sustainable and cost-effective methods of irrigation will be crucial in the long run.
