25/09/2026
On 26 December 1652, the first settlers at the Cape had freshly made local butter for the first time. The first dairy was started by Annatjie BOOM, the wife of the Dutch East India Company's chief gardener, Hendrik BOOM. Annatjie was known as "de boerin" (the lady farmer). In May 1656, she started leasing a number of cows from the Company and supplied the Company with butter at a fixed price. The cows were leased out to her for 15 guilders per cow, and she had to raise the calves. Annatjie had the sole rights to sell surplus milk to passing ships. Annatjie was a busy and enterprising mother of seven. She opened the first inn at the Cape after receiving Van Riebeeck's permission on 18 May 1656. It was a large hall close to the Fort, with sleeping facilities and limited food and drink. Annatjie leased the land from the Company for 100 guilders per annum.
The first butter factory in the Cape was started by Robert WILKIE at Daggaboersnek near Cradock in 1890.
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