nd there is climatic change. However, currently these processes are negligible as compared to the alteration of degradation of the vegetation under grazing by domestic animals. Grazing by stock is today the most active and overriding ecological factor operating in the South African grazing lands. It can, however, operate for better or for worse.
In the years that lie ahead the Karoo farmer will have to face the problem of vegetation utilization as well as reclamation. However, utilization and reclamation are well within reach as the numerous and excellent examples of veld reclamation show. In order to substitute for loss of grazing capacity and to decrease grazing pressure on the veld without forfeiting economy, it is imperative that additional sources of stock feed be created on the greater majority of farms. In this respect it is inevitable that in the nineteen-eighties the establishment of plantations of drought hardy fodder species and fodder reserves will gain new status and impetus. Such resources, coupled with sound veld and stock management, spells good for the future of extensive stock farming in the arid region of South Africa. There is every reason to believe in the economic success of extensive small stock farming.
Karoo Agric 1 (5), 15-16