Under the spectacular mountain ranges of Nakauvadra in Rakiraki a remarkable story of ambition, resilience, and triumph unfolds.

It is the story of Hydar Begg, a man whose vision in 1968, while working for a company, paved the way for a prosperous future in beef farming.

Today, he stands as the proud owner of a 275-acre ranch, home to 220 beef stock in the farming settlement of Waimari.

In 1968, Hydar was a young employee working at Morris Hedstrom in Rakiraki. Despite the satisfaction of a steady job, his heart yearned for something more. An aspiration that seemed distant yet compelling.

He envisioned a life where he would be surrounded by the open fields, tending to cattle and nurturing the land. This dream of becoming a beef farmer became the driving force for the 76-year-old second generation farmer.

“When I left school, I worked for 26 years and then bought a cane farm and was utilizing it with my late father,” said Mr. Begg.

“I began by keeping my 15 cattle on other farmers’ ranches, gradually building my own knowledge and resources.”

His dedication and perseverance were unwavering and after years of hard work and sacrifice, he acquired his first piece of land in 2019. This marked the beginning of his journey as a beef farmer.

“From a stock of 15 cattle it increased to 40 and in 2019 I managed to secure a land lease of 225 acres in Waimari where I built my home, farmed sugarcane and let my livestock graze,” he said.

The journey was filled with a lot of challenges, ranging from unpredictable weather conditions to market fluctuations, which in most cases were out of his control.

However, his resilience and innovative thinking helped him navigate these hurdles. In 2022, Hydar achieved another significant milestone. He managed to secure an additional 275 acres in Waimari, a piece of land that belonged to the village of Vatukacevaceva.

“I managed to get a grant of $27,450.00 from the Ministry of Rural and Maritime through the Provincial Administrator’s office under the guidance and technical advice from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways. I bought materials for my stockyard and 6x2 timber and cement for loading zone,” he said.

He adopted sustainable farming practices and embraced modern techniques to ensure the health and productivity of his herd.  With 220 beef stock under his care, he has built a legacy that not only supports his family but also contributes to the local economy.

His market includes the butcher and middlemen from Suva and Rakiraki, the community for ‘magiti’ and it is his future plan to supply to the Vuda Abattoir in Lautoka.

Mr. Begg was also able to pay the lease premium, bought a few materials for fencing prior to the assistance, and bought stock from the revenue collected from the farm. He has set his eyes on setting up a farm house on the new piece of land for the purpose of stock surveillance.

The ranch, with its lush pastures and thriving cattle, stands as a testament to his relentless pursuit of his dream.

“It is not about the number of land or the number of stock you have but if you have the passion and the vision to achieve your dream, everything will fall into place and always remember to be patient,” smiled Mr. Begg.

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