In the world of commercial-scale farming, Food For Mzansi has had the privilege of unearthing many remarkable agricultural stories over the past year. Our interviews with inspiring farmers have not only left us captivated but have also provided invaluable insights into the complexities and triumphs of operating on the level that they do.
In this article, we spotlight some of Mzansi’s top farmers. These amazing farmers do not just grow crops, they also share important lessons. Their stories teach us a lot, from using new technologies to being eco-friendly.
From 2.5 to 100 hectares: Gene Likhanya’s path of agricultural triumph
Macadamia farmer Gene Likhanya’s story speaks about resilience, adaptability, and strategic planning in agriculture. As the farm director of Madimbo Macadamia, starting with a modest 2.5 hectares, Likhanya embraced the unfamiliar territory of macadamia farming, diversifying with bananas and butternuts for immediate cash flow.
His success didn’t come easy. However, through perseverance and continuous learning, his farm expanded to an impressive 100 hectares, featuring a diverse portfolio.
“Over time, our business has grown and diversified. Initially focused on macadamia production, we expanded into plant hire machinery and equipment, facilitating quality land preparations. Additionally, we entered consulting, offering mentorship, business planning, and irrigation design for a fee,” Likhanya shares.
Likhanya’s journey underscores the importance of smart diversification, strategic planning, and tenacity in the face of agricultural challenges.
ALSO READ: Farmer Mentor: Macadamia mastermind Likhanya cracks tough agri nut
Dirk van Papendorp’s legacy of innovation and stewardship
Dirk van Papendorp’s farming legacy imparts a crucial lesson to fellow farmers. The freedom to experiment and innovate is the key to agricultural progress. Van Papendorp grows cash crops, cover crops and livestock, and through three generations, he revolutionised traditional farming, advocating for conservation agriculture.
His meticulous rotation system, integrating livestock and sustainable practices, proves that agricultural innovation ensures long-term viability.
“We need to understand that farming is not just about profit; it’s about stewardship. We’re not just farming for today; we’re farming for the future,” he said.
Deeply rooted in family history, his commitment to stewardship and sustainability extends beyond profit, emphasising the responsibility to preserve the land for future generations.
ALSO READ: Conservation farming: Dirk embraces ‘freedom to experiment’
Thato Moagi’s call: Uniting passion, purpose, and power
Award-winning farmer Thato Moagi, the managing director of Legae La Banareng Farms in Modimolle, Limpopo, has an important message for other farmers. It’s crucial to recognise the deep connection between daily life and agriculture, she says.
Moagi wants everyone to realise that everything we use, like food and clothing, comes from farming. She thinks it’s really important to get young people excited about nature and farming because they play a big part in keeping the country going strong.
“If you’re passionate about something you should go and do it. Use your power as a woman to try and think of new creative ways to solve issues. I don’t think that we’re that disadvantaged in the agricultural industry. It’s just that we always have to come up with new ways of doing things.”
Her personal journey, from dreaming of becoming a veterinarian in childhood to becoming a successful farmer, serves as an example of how passion and dedication can transform the field of agriculture. Moagi encourages women to use their power.
ALSO READ: Farming is spiritual, says award-winning agriculturist
Johann Müller’s conservation farming triumph
Johann Müller, a seventh-generation farmer, has achieved great success since switching from traditional farming to conservation agriculture.
Through practices like moisture retention with plant cover, Müller not only revived his farm but also brought hope to the entire community. He emphasises the importance of risk management and investing in sustainable practices.
“Every year I borrow a bunch of money and I put things in the soil. I trust and believe it will rain and that we’ll get a harvest to pay back the money,” he shares.
While transitioning from quick gains to long-term, eco-friendly farming may pose challenges, Müller’s story illustrates that it ultimately leads to prosperity.
The takeaway is clear: adopting conservation agriculture ensures a sustainable future, even in challenging environments, benefiting both farmers and communities.
ALSO READ: Conservation farming: Johann cultivates hope and harmony
Kobela Mokgohloa’s innovative journey in cucumber farming
The lesson from Kobela Mokgohloa’s cucumber farming journey is to embrace innovation and adaptability in agriculture. Mokgohloa found success by breaking away from traditional methods, using covered land and wood shavings instead of soil, and experimenting with new cucumber varieties.
His forward-thinking approach and dedication to understanding the crop’s needs highlight the importance of knowledge and experience in farming.
“You need to understand the crop relatively well,” Mokgohloa believes. He advises farmers to know when to over-irrigate and when to irrigate. Farmers should also be aware of constantly adjusting how to prune the plant because the cucumber grows very fast.
The success of Korema Farm demonstrates the benefits of embracing change and leveraging expertise for sustainable and prosperous agriculture.
ALSO READ: Farmer Mentor: Cool as a cucumber Mokgohloa aces innovation
Nature’s custodian: CD du Toit’s path to sustainable agriculture
CD du Toit is a Western Cape-based pioneer in conservation agriculture. His story imparts the crucial lesson of nurturing nature.
His journey from conventional farming to conservation agriculture, treating the land in Riversdale as a delicate ecosystem, emphasises the significance of soil health.
Du Toit’s meticulous approach, including balancing soil ratios and embracing crop rotation, not only enhances profitability but also sustains the environment.
“[Whether] you are a cattle or grain farmer, you have to understand soil. A cattle farmer whose soil is not right is not going to be successful. You have to get the ground right first,” CD emphasises, highlighting the importance of soil health as the foundation of agricultural success.
The message is clear. Prioritising nature yields sustainable success.
ALSO READ: Du Toit nurtures nature and reaps sustainable rewards
Asenathi Ngqobe’s trailblazing journey in farming and education
The lesson from farmer Asenathi Ngqobe’s story is that age should not limit one’s pursuit of passion and dreams. At just 18, she excels in both academia and livestock farming, challenging stereotypes.
Ngqobe is currently farming with livestock on half of the family land she occupies based in Klipvoor Stardt at Kwa Leah Country Estate in North West
She emphasises the importance of education and self-motivation, balancing her studies and farming with determination. Her journey underscores the significance of planning, calculated risk-taking, and resilience in making dreams a reality.
“I’m very business-minded. I plan before I act and calculate all possible income, expenses, profit, and loss.”
Despite facing challenges as a young female in a male-dominated industry, she encourages others not to be deterred by obstacles. Ngqobe’s story inspires aspiring farmers to educate themselves, engage with experienced individuals, and fearlessly turn dreams into tangible achievements.
READ NEXT: Young Ngqobe matches academic with agri excellence
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