Ol Nael Farm

26/04/2026

25/04/2026

We are making sure we have enough food in preparation for the kidding season next month.
Our Super Napier Pakchong, Lucern, Desmodium,maize and millet fodder doing well.

12/04/2026

One of our inspiration at Ol Nael Farm is by the legend and our good friend Eliud Kipchoge who famously said “No human is limited” .
It shapes how we think, plan, and grow the farm.
In one of the interaction before we started farming his advice was simple “your end results aren’t determined by where you start, but by how you improve, start small, think big and be consistent always” .

I reflected on this and if I was to advice anyone doing farming or intending to venture this is what I will say:

1. Start Small
Even if you begin with just 2–5 goats, don’t see that as a limitation.
• Build gradually: reinvest profits into more goats
• Improve breed quality over time
• Expand from traditional old school → commercial mindset

👉🏿The “limit” is not your starting size—it’s your willingness to scale.

2. Learn continuously

A lot of farmers stay stuck because they stop learning.
• Study feeding systems, breeding cycles, disease control, visit farmers,enroll for online classes,attend farming open days etc
• Try improved fodder crops or supplements
• Learn record-keeping and basic farm management technics

👉🏿Knowledge removes limits faster than money does.

3. Improve your herd quality

You may not afford top breeds at first—but you can upgrade over time.Start with the local goat( Galla,Somali,Maasai etc)
• Practice selective breeding
• Introduce better bucks when possible
• Avoid inbreeding

👉🏿Over a few seasons, your herd can completely transform.

4. Turn challenges into opportunities

Common “limits” in goat farming:
• Disease outbreaks/Poor or inadequate management / Kids Mortality
• Feed shortages/ Grazing land scarcity/Cost of feeding
• Market access/ Market price for live goats

Instead of stopping:
• Learn basic veterinary care/ walk the journey with a vet/ask a trusted farmer/ invest in technology to help you manage your farm even if you are a” remote/telephone farmer” /invest in a good farm hands / understand cause of mortality when they occur
• Preserve feed (hay/silage)/minimize wastage
• Build relationships with buyers early/Network with other farmers

👉🏿Every obstacle is something you can learn to manage.

5. Treat it like a business

“No human is limited” also means not staying informal or “Kienyeji” as we say it in Kenya
• Track costs and profits
• Plan breeding cycles for market demand
• Explore value addition (milk, manure, breeding stock)

👉🏿The biggest transformation comes when you shift from “keeping goats” to “running a goat enterprise.”

6. Discipline and consistency

Eliud Kipchoge’s success comes from routine,consistency and discipline —and farming is the same.
• Plan what you will feed when and do it on schedule/Plan and do vaccination without fail
• Maintain hygiene in shelters
• Monitor animals daily

👉🏿Small daily discipline beats occasional big effort.

“No human is limited” You are not limited by your land size, money, or current herd—only by how much you’re willing to learn, adapt, and stay consistent.
I learnt in Regvic Stud’s “Small Stock Success Program” that “Success is when you treat farming as both a livestock system and management system”

25/03/2026

Our little kids getting used to attention…

04/02/2026

| Clearing the air on Stud Goats -001/26.

At Marsha Farms, we often receive enquiries such as:

“Do you sell stud goats?”
“We want stud goats only.”
“Can we buy 5-month-old stud goats?”

Our response is always consistent and factual;

We are a registered Stud Breeder with the Botswana Boer Goat Breeders Society (BBGBS) - BB84. We breed & sell purebred, full-blood Boer goats with pedigree & lineage records.

To help clear confusion in the market, Boer goats are generally classified as follows:

1. Stud goats ✅️

A stud goat is an animal that meets the majority of the official Boer goat breed standards and displays highly desirable traits for breeding. They are selected for genetic quality, structure, conformation & performance. Young goats (e.g. 5 months old) cannot be conclusively classified as stud until they mature and are properly assessed by a qualified Inspector/Judge.

2. Flock goats ✅️

A flock goat meets most of the breed standards but falls short of stud classification due to minor deviations. These goats are still suitable for breeding and play a crucial role in genetic progress.

3. Cull goats ❌️

A cull goat displays a majority of undesirable traits that go against breed standards. Such goats should not be used for breeding and are best suited for slaughter purposes - they belong at the braai stand!

At Marsha farms , we focus on breeding the right Boer goats the right way. True stud breeding is about selection, records,patience, and long-term genetic improvement.

In closing —We aim to sell you both stud & flock goats. Remember, most stud goats are bred out of strong flock animals.
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28/01/2026

Good feeding management practice is one of the pillar for success in goat farming. At Ol-Nael farm,we ensure that we have consistent availability of Lucerne( Alfalfa) all year round.

26/01/2026

One of the toughest questions we always get asked is “Is he ready to serve?”

The readiness of a Boer buck is not just about age—it’s about physical maturity, health, and management considerations. Farmers must look beyond size and ask the right questions before putting a buck to work.

Key Considerations for Farmers:

• Age & Maturity: Most Boer bucks reach sexual maturity around 7–8 months, but optimal serving age is closer to 12 months, when they are physically stronger and better developed.
• Body Condition: A buck should be in good body condition—neither too thin nor overweight. Poor condition can affect fertility and stamina.
• Health Status: Ensure the buck is free from diseases, parasites, and lameness. A healthy buck is a productive buck.
• Pedigree & Genetics: Farmers should consider the buck’s lineage and traits. A well-bred buck improves the quality of the herd.
• Management Load: Young bucks should not be overworked. Start with a small number of does (10–15) before gradually increasing as the buck matures.
• Temperament: A calm, manageable buck is easier to handle and less stressful for the herd.

Final Thought

A buck that is “ready to serve” is one that combines maturity, health, and good management practices. Selling or buying a buck should always come with guidance on how to introduce him responsibly into the breeding program.

Farmers, remember: patience and proper preparation ensure stronger herds and better results in the long run.