All railway stations should have a Palm tree.
We have moved one from an outlying farm and placed it in position next to the station at Hoekfontein on the 2-ft Narrow Gauge system. We hope that it handles the move without too much discomfort.
Modern Farming
The farm's gardens
Although the rainy season is just starting our staff have done a great job of keeping the gardens going, planting spring flowers, and trying to keep a very large area watered.
There is no economic benefit to the farm in keeping these gardens maintained but our visitors certainly enjoy them and hopefully it uplifts the spirits of the staff as well.
Photos of Sheep & Cattle
The livestock component at Sandstone Estates continues to grow.
Our photographs below confirm that calving has started and hardly a day goes by that a few calves aren’t born. Interesting enough our wildlife continues to prosper, as can be seen from the photograph of these two healthy Blesbok below.
Sandstone Estates agricultural enterprise supports the Sandstone Heritage Trust’s activities and so the more we diversify and profit in the farming sector the more our Heritage division benefits.
Expansion at Sandstone
As an organisation we are committed to protecting our assets.
A major expansion is underway. This includes doubling the size of our 150 metre long NG rolling stock shed.
Afrikaner Cattle
Expansion of accommodation for our wonderful Afrikaner cattle...
The work is ongoing!
Livestock Division Expands
The farm is slowly building its livestock numbers in order to improve its mixed farming model. These photos show the arrival of 71 Bonsmara heifers in calf.
Lime Spreading
To maintain our pH at the correct levels we spread lime every few years. This year we have a major programme underway.
What is interesting about this year is the use of our Case model 480C TLB.
Soya Bean Harvest Completed
The 2012 Soya Bean harvest was good in terms of quality, not so good in terms of yield. The crop experienced a 6-week drought during February and March which really hit it at a bad time. Nonetheless we were pleasantly surprised with how well the Soyas held up under the circumstances.
Our first photos show our four John Deere combines working in various lands.
Sandstone has invested in a new baler.
We bale for our livestock, we bale for conservation, and we bale for fire
prevention, therefore this is an important machine on the farm.
Sheep
After a long absence sheep have made a welcome appearance to Sandstone Estates.
We started with 100 German Merino lambs which were in lamb when we bought them and we are now seeing the results of that with the family growing bigger and more numerous by the day.
