Joubert Horn Builds Leading Boer Goat Stud from Scratch

Joubert Horn, owner of the Joubert Horn Boer Goat Stud, did not grow up on a farm. His father, a lawyer in Burgersdorp, Eastern Cape, kept a few Boer goats, but farming was not their family occupation. Horn’s interest in agriculture only developed at university, influenced by friends from farming backgrounds. By 2010, he approached his father to farm the Boer goats on the family land. Horn had been studying the breed independently and developed a strong passion for it. His father agreed, allowing Horn to buy half the flock and farm alongside him.

Horn initially financed his share of the flock with money earned playing rugby abroad. In 2015, Kobus Lötter, a respected Boer goat breeder, assisted Horn in selecting the best ewes. The original flock of 200 to 300 ewes was reduced to around 50 high-quality breeding animals. Horn continued selecting goats annually, gradually building a stud that was officially registered in 2017. Today, his flock consists of roughly 120 ewes. The operation also includes a commercial cattle herd.

The stud’s breeding program follows the goats’ natural mating season, typically February to April. Horn manages two to four mating cycles each year to maintain year-round production for auctions and shows. He prefers winter kidding to reduce fly and parasite challenges and uses kidding pens and kraals to protect young kids during the cold months. Horn mainly relies on natural mating but occasionally uses artificial insemination to access top-quality genetics.

Disease management is a key focus. Horn vaccinates ewes and kids against clostridium and pulpy kidney disease and monitors for pasteurellosis and respiratory conditions. Deworming schedules are carefully managed to balance parasite control with natural immunity development. Horn emphasizes that goats are browsers, which reduces their exposure to worms compared to sheep.

Feeding operates on a semi-intensive system. The goats graze and browse over 600 hectares during the day and are kraaled in the evening. Supplementary feed is provided in winter and to gestating or show animals to ensure optimal production. Horn’s management includes careful attention to nutrition before and after kidding, ensuring strong, healthy offspring. Kid management involves staged weaning and feeding programs to protect both the dams and the young animals.

Horn identifies stock theft as a major challenge, requiring the goats to be secured in kraals overnight. At the same time, high demand for South African Boer goat genetics presents a significant opportunity. Horn has exported genetics to Botswana and anticipates strong demand once borders reopen. Marketing is conducted through major auctions, club and national sales, and directly to buyers interested in top-quality rams.

South Africa is recognized globally for its Boer goat genetics. Horn notes that limited herd sizes restrict meat production, and public perception still treats goat meat as secondary to sheep meat. Expanding production and changing consumer attitudes are key to the industry’s growth.

Looking ahead, Horn aims to breed champions rather than buying them and expand his stud to 200–250 head. He also plans to increase his involvement in industry shows and auctions. Horn emphasizes building a stud to pass on to his son, ensuring the operation continues for generations.

His advice to new farmers is to prioritize passion over profit. Goat farming requires dedication and hard work, and success depends on genuine interest in the animals and their care. Horn’s guiding principle remains: honesty and quality first, building a stud that reflects commitment, knowledge, and integrity.