On this episode of the Farmer Mentor series, Rennie Brink shares how their success at Groot Phesantekraal is built on generations of hard work, strategic risk-taking, and a deep respect for both tradition and innovation.
For generations, the Brink family has poured their hearts into Groot Phesantekraal. Nestled in the Western Cape, it’s a place where fields of grain, herds of livestock, and rows of vineyards thrive alongside a warm welcome for visitors. Through hard work and forward-thinking, they’ve built more than a farm but a legacy.
The Brink family’s success comes from knowing when to take a chance and when to wait. Every decision is a careful bet – if the stakes make sense, they go for it. If not, they hold back until the time is right.
Rennie Brink who oversees the grain and vineyard component of the farm says,” “If we want to expand into new operations, we look at what can complement our current setup.”
This mindset drove them from selling grapes to cooperatives to crafting and bottling their own wine. Today, their winery stands as proof of that bold shift.
Likewise, in livestock, they saw potential in feed production and seized the opportunity.
“We saw what we were paying for feed, and with the grain side, we could produce 90% of the raw materials ourselves. So we said, ‘Let’s explore this.’ And we’re not looking back. It’s adding value, and now we also do pellets for other farmers, creating a new market for ourselves.”
A legacy of growth
The Brink family has nurtured Groot Phesantekraal since the late 1800s, passing it down through generations. He recalls how his father, André, who remains deeply involved, transformed the farm’s approach in the early 1990s.
“At that time, we were only the usual Western Cape, diverse farming – a bit of grapes, a bit of grain, a bit of livestock – but not big in any one of those. My father said we must be big in something to grow and to get economies of scale. So he started to expand and get new ventures going, laying the foundation for where we are today.”
From that foundation, the farm has grown into a multifaceted operation. Grain farming stands as the largest component, complemented by vineyards, livestock, a pelleting feed factory, and an on-site wine cellar. Each venture has been carefully chosen not just for profitability but for its ability to enhance the overall operation.
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Balancing expansion and sustainability
With multiple enterprises running simultaneously, ensuring synergy is crucial. “We always explore opportunities outside of our current operations, but we do our homework properly,” Brink says. “It doesn’t help to add value if you’re putting in a lot of effort for little reward. There’s a lot of thought behind every new venture.”
This meticulous planning is reinforced by Brink’s background in accounting. “Financial systems give us an exact standpoint at any moment. If my father comes in and asks, ‘How’s this department doing?’ I can check the numbers instantly. It makes decision-making so much easier.”
For new farmers or those looking to scale, Brink emphasises financial discipline. “When my father started farming, interest rates were between 20 and 25%. He told me to calculate with that in mind. If it still works, then do it. That way, you build in a risk factor.”
He also advises exploring alternatives. “Instead of financing a new tractor, consider renting one for a season. If you can do without it, you save a lot. Take risks to grow, but know what’s at stake before making a decision.”
Farming with people
Agritourism has become a key part of the farm’s business model, with a restaurant and wine-tasting room enhancing the experience for visitors. “It’s not just about making wine; you have to sell it. The biggest barrier to entry is sales, so we built a tasting room and later a restaurant to create an experience around our wine.”
The approach is built on three pillars: family, commercial farming, and heritage. “My father loves restoring old buildings. He always tells us we have a responsibility to preserve our heritage while building new experiences around it.”
Yet, agritourism comes with its own challenges. “When you farm with grain or livestock, it’s just you and them. But when you start receiving visitors, you’re farming with people. You need a whole new mindset. Clients have their own expectations, and managing that while staying true to our values is a balancing act.”
Lessons for the future
Through the years, the biggest lesson Brink has learned is patience. “Don’t rush decisions. Take time, ask for advice. Even if it’s just bouncing an idea off your neighbour or a friend overseas, do it. When you’re caught up in a decision, your view can get clouded. Taking a step back often reveals something you hadn’t thought of.”
Above all, he embraces the unpredictability of farming. “You farm with nature, weather, climate change – things you can’t control. What you can control is doing everything to the best of your ability. The rest will fall into place.”
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