Hailing from Mamre in the Western Cape, Anecia Arendse’s passion for farming was kindled during childhood trips to family-owned farms. In 2021, she wholeheartedly embraced her calling by leasing a 10-hectare plot in Mamre in the Western Cape, where she brought her dream to life and established Kruywagenskraal Farm.
Today, the farm not only produces fresh produce but also hosts events. She is also the owner of 4 p’s Kitchen, a catering business.
Beyond that, she has extended her entrepreneurial spirit to a meat distribution business, serving markets in the Overberg district.
This diversified approach not only ensures a steady income stream but also proves resilient during periods when demand at fresh produce markets is low.
Childhood memories with grandfathers
During Arendse’s childhood holidays, she spent many happy days on her maternal grandfather Stanley Manel’s farm in Caledon. He imparted the knowledge of cultivating diverse fruits and vegetables, instilling in her the principles of hard work, dedication, and organic farming techniques.
“The most exciting time was when your seed that you had sown started to grow. I used to call Grandpa on the landline every week to ask how the crops were doing.”
Arendse also credits her grandfather for imparting the invaluable skill of reading and navigating market prices, a knowledge that has been instrumental in her farming success.
There was also Grandpa Matthew Loock, a livestock farmer in Mamre, where Arendse now farms herself.
She has repurposed the land that once housed her grandfather’s livestock and transformed it into a thriving space for growing crops, hosting events, and educating others on the art of farming.
Arendse has a deep connection to the land, having learned to milk cows as a child. “I loved the slaughtering days, and back then it was still the old ways where the carcasses hung in the yard until the meat was ready to be processed,” she reminisces.
Today, she uses her farming knowledge to practice crop rotation and cultivate various vegetables, from beetroot to spinach and watermelon.
Observing and learning
Over the years, Anecia Arendse has pursued a few educational opportunities to further her farming knowledge and skills.
Arendse’s commitment to continuous learning is evident through her completion of short courses from Kaap Agri and Agri Academy.
She holds certificates in many fields including plant production, mixed farming, livestock farming, irrigation systems, soil and water testing, farm business management, entrepreneurship, and advanced financial management.
These courses have been a valuable investment in her future, giving her the tools to succeed in her chosen field.
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Big plans up her sleeve
Arendse has big plans in store.
In 2022, she received R200 000 from the government’s CPAC financing initiative of which some of the money was used for infrastructure, irrigation, farm equipment, and seedlings. She also wanted to start the poultry leg of her business.
“The layer chickens are not yet functioning; it is postponed for next year due to the bird flu pandemic,” she explains.
Arendse also hopes to turn the farm into a youth development production training hub. She intends to open a butchery to extend her hospitality and events company under the agricultural umbrella.
Another of her ambitions is to open a restaurant and bar on the farm, as well as to host weddings. “I need a funder to help develop this venture because there is no other place like this in our community. People need to travel to town to have access to these facilities.”
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