The Boschveld Story
Boschveld began with a simple farming vision. Mike Bosch wanted to develop a hardy, productive chicken suited to African conditions and the needs of local farmers and communities.
From his farm near Bela-Bela, Mike spent years developing the Boschveld Indigenous Chicken from three indigenous African breeds. What started as a breeding programme grew into a South African farming success story, with Boschveld chickens reaching farmers and rural communities across South Africa and beyond.
This is the story of the man, the breeding programme and the purpose behind Boschveld.
THE BREED STORY
A South African farming story
The Boschveld story began with farmer and breeder Mike Bosch and a practical idea. He wanted to develop a chicken suited to African farming conditions and the needs of farmers and rural communities.
In the late 1990s, Mike began working with three indigenous African chicken breeds, the Venda, Matabele and Ovambo. From this breeding programme, the Boschveld Indigenous Chicken was developed.
What started on Mike’s farm near Bela-Bela grew into a South African poultry success story.
Over the years, Boschveld chickens found their way to farmers across South Africa and further into Africa. By 2011, more than two million Boschveld chickens had been sold across the continent, with birds reaching countries such as Uganda and Zambia.
At the time, Boschveld was supplying around 250,000 chickens each year.
For Mike, the value of the Boschveld chicken has always extended beyond commercial farming.
Boschveld chickens have been supplied to emerging farmers and rural communities as breeding stock. They have also supported rural poverty-relief initiatives, giving families the opportunity to establish their own flocks and develop a sustainable source of food and income.
This connection with farmers and communities remains an important part of the Boschveld story.
CURRENT CICKEN OPERATION
From Breeding Programme to Commercial Operation
The early Boschveld poultry business focused on a dedicated breeding program that launched the Boschveld breed into commercial production. Initially, it provided day-old chicks, point-of-lay pullets, and hatching eggs to farmers across South Africa, creating a trusted distribution network. What distinguished Boschveld was its investment in farmer support, offering detailed guides, tailored housing solutions, and ongoing advice to foster long-term partnerships.
As the business grew, Boschveld's reputation spread beyond South Africa. Export certifications and supplying genetics to neighbouring markets strengthened its credibility. This highlighted the Boschveld bird's adaptability and international trust.
The guiding philosophy prioritises bird welfare, breed integrity, and the success of the farmers raising Boschveld chickens. The business values strong relationships and bird quality over transaction volume, ensuring every chick embodies the same genetics and standards.
Today, Boschveld continues Mike Bosch’s vision by supplying chickens to commercial farmers, small-scale farmers, emerging farmers and families who want to build something of their own.
The Honey & Pecan Story
Where the Hives Meet the Orchards
The Boschveld honey and pecan operation emerged naturally from the same land and ethos that built the poultry business. Placing hives among pecan orchards in South Africa's Lowveld and Bushveld was an intuitive extension of Boschveld’s commitment to working with the environment. The bees produce honey that reflects the region's unique character, emphasising its natural origin and careful harvesting.
From the honey operation, a broader pantry range evolved, including roasted and flavoured pecans and gift jars that unite honey and pecans under the Boschveld story — crafted from the land rather than generic ingredients. The Couple Pantry Pack (R240) and the Family Pantry Pack (R480) are designed for sharing and suit kitchens and gift baskets. The honey and pecan range exemplifies Boschveld's dedication to sharing the land's bounty and flavour.
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