Smithfield History
History of Farming
This section is still to be developed.
The Smithfield region was first explored by white settlers in the 1830s, during a period of significant migration and expansion across southern Africa. By the early 1840s, trekboers—semi-nomadic farmers of Dutch descent—began to settle temporarily in the area, attracted by the availability of grazing land and water sources.
As more settlers arrived, farming practices quickly developed and intensified. The region’s fertile plains and favorable climate proved ideal for livestock farming. Over time, these early efforts evolved into a more permanent and structured agricultural economy.
Today, Smithfield is known for its well-established farming industry, with Merino sheep and cattle farming forming the backbone of its rural economy. These activities not only support the livelihoods of many local families but also contribute to the broader agricultural output of the Free State province.
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