FODDER

Our farming unit currently spans 400 acres under fodder and cereals farming unit growing maize, wheat, barley, Boma Rhodes and Canola crop. The unit is being expanded to include other cereal crops such as beans, horticultural crops, avocado fruits etc. These crops are grown for both human and animal use internally and external sales for profitability.

The unit is headed by a qualified agronomist who is the head of day to day operations. The future of the unit is establishing over 1000 acres under the above crops.

Maize silage/corn production.

Our geographical location and altitude allow us to cultivate both long-duration series (e.g., H614, H629) and short-duration series (e.g., Panner maize, DeKalb maize). The choice of series for a particular season is guided by information from the meteorological department.

Cultivated on loamy volcanic soils, our maize benefits from well-distributed rainfall and favorable climatic conditions. This results in an average annual production of 2,000 tons of full corn silage, serving both internal needs and the commercial market. On average, we yield 10 tons of ready silage per acre, showcasing the productivity and efficiency of our maize cultivation practices.

Maize takes center stage in our fodder unit, constituting over 50% of our production efforts. For the past six years, Nyeri Hill Farm has been consistently engaged in maize production, catering to both silage and corn needs.

Our maize cultivation follows two distinct growing patterns:

Rain-fed production: This occurs in two seasons annually.
Irrigated production: This takes place three times a year.

Wheat and Barley

At Nyeri Hill Farm, we allocate approximately 25% of our total fodder unit production to cultivate wheat and barley grains. Remarkably, 60% of these grain yields are directed towards formulating animal feeds, effectively reducing the overall production costs within our livestock unit. This dual-purpose cultivation serves both human consumption and aids in optimizing the nutrition and expenses associated with our livestock operations.

Canola

Canola, belonging to the Crucifer family, thrives in the Mt. Kenya regions of Kenya, and Nyeri Hill Farm is proud to be a cultivator. Our primary focus is on pressing Canola for oil, intended for human use, and producing Canola cake for animals, serving as a protein-rich concentrate.

Canola oil, known for its low saturated fat content compared to other vegetable oils, boasts various health benefits, including managing conditions like arthritis and high blood pressure. This nutritional profile has driven a surge in demand among the population.

Currently, Canola cultivation occupies 15% of our total unit’s production. Despite its hardy nature, Canola excels with minimal rainfall, averaging a commendable 900 kgs per acre. Additionally, we strategically utilize Canola as a trap crop and rotation crop to manage root diseases and condition the soil, contributing to overall agricultural sustainability.

Boma Rhodes

Boma Rhodes, a crucial tropical grass for forage pastures and hay, plays a significant role at Nyeri Hill Farm. Well-suited for regions with an average rainfall of about 900mm per year, this grass stands out for its drought tolerance.

Given the expansive and picturesque terrain of our farm, we cultivate Rhodes to benefit our livestock herd and as a measure against soil erosion. Harvested at the right stage, the pastures offer substantial nutritional benefits to our animals. Moreover, Rhodes serves as a reliable security pasture, as it can be baled for use during drought seasons due to its excellent storability nature. Currently, Rhodes production constitutes about 10% of our total fodder unit.

Our commitment to quality is evident, with an average production of 250 bales per acre per cut season, ensuring a consistent and ample supply of nutritious forage for our livestock.