The rising cost of living in RSA has made it almost impossible for farmers to thrive in their farming endeavours. Feed has become so expensive that most people have chosen to quit rather than go bankrupt.
In this blog, we will be exploring an alternative protein source for pigs, fish, ducks, and chickens that does not require large amounts of land to keep things going.
What Are Black Soldier Flies (BSF)?
Black Soldier Flies (Hermetia illucens) are harmless, non-disease carriers, slender black wasp look-alikes that have no mouths as adults. They absorb water through their bodies, and their job is to mate and lay eggs, and repeat the life cycle. The larvae state is where the money is. Although they typically eat twice their size, they are incredibly fast growers.
Why is Black Soldier Fly farming the best solution for farmers’ feed issues?
Before we can explore the solution, we need to understand that there is a problem in the first place. We have already spoken about the rising cost of living that ultimately increases prices on chicken feed for all South African farmers. Below are a few points to take note of:
- The rise of chronic illnesses from lab-made feed/ feed with artificial ingredients
- The unsustainable farming practices
- Affordability crisis
- Nationwide water scarcity
- Food waste
So why should South Africans consider Black Soldier Fly protein feed?
With so many restaurants, street vendors, tuck shops, and other entities that deal with food, there is so much waste that goes to waste, leading to more pollution, sickness, and more. Turning that garbage into food for the animals we have as pets or consume is worth considering.
For sustainable farming practices to prevail for animal farmers, we need non-intrusive methods that don’t break the bank.
- Save money on protein supplements
With BSF, you get to find an easy-to-feed protein alternative to your animals or pets with enough protein to help them grow and be reproductive in a much better way.
You don’t need water to produce the larvae
Black soldier flies don’t require any water to farm; they just need food to grow and complete their full cycle.
- Free feed
The cost of growing these flies into larvae is basically easy, and often requires little maintenance, given that the proper environment is provided.
- Better production
Because of BSF nutrient density, they are the perfect sources of protein, lipids, minerals, and vitamins.
How can I farm Black soldier flies?
We offer an annual in-person training for anyone who desires to start BSF farming every year in March. If you would like hands-on experience, please do not hesitate to enrol for the training at our farm. Here are a few basic steps you could consider taking when learning how to start a BSF farm:
Step 1: Set up a farm structure
For the right kind of temperatures, you need a good space to start with
Step 2: Set up a bin and a mating net
You need a proper place to store your parched eggs, larvae, and flies.
Step 3: Find food
BSF need food, and the amount will depend on how many they are.
Step 4: Find a good source where you can secure a decent order to start with.
Conclusion,
Let us farmers change South Africa’s economy one bug at a time.