In KwaZulu-Natal the special bond between dairy farmer Ducky Ngcobo and his mentor Rob Stapylton-Smith illustrates the significant impact of mentorship and collaboration on a farmer’s growth and success.
Born in 1954 on a beef and dairy farm next door to Stapylton-Smith’s farm in Eastwolds, near Donnybrook, Ngcobo first worked as a truck driver until he was able to invest in launching his own taxi business. But growing up on a commercial farm triggered a love for agriculture that even if he wanted to, Ngcobo could never shake.
When the opportunity arose in 2002 to purchase the 120-hectare Summerhill Farm, Ngcobo did not think twice.
“I love what I do, to be honest, and i get to make a living as well and provide for my family. The life of the farmer is on the soil. This is where we make a living for ourselves,” Ngcobo says.
The start of a winning relationship
The property shares a boundary with Stapylton-Smith, who started mentoring Ngcobo.
“Mr Smith was my neighbour. I’ve known him since childhood. I once bought a car from him. When I bought a farm, he was the neighbouring farmer and I would ask him for help. I remember he used to come and literally show me the ropes and even helped me with machinery,” Ngcobo shares.
“I have known him for the longest time. I have learnt so much from him. He taught me how to raise young calves when he gave them to me after birth. He showed me all that I know about their vaccinations. Even how to make use of soil wisely.”
Stapylton-Smith has been instrumental in Ngcobo’s success. Over the years, Summerhill Farm has doubled its milk production. They have also had a few incredible upgrades and efficiency boosts, from a new swing-over dairy to enhanced agricultural practices.
“Having relationships like these is an important thing for a farmer, especially if you are a new farmer. You really do need people like him to show you around,” says Ngcobo.
READ NEXT: Farmer Mentor: Avocado farmer rises from the veld fire ashes
State-of-the-art dairy equipment
Ngcobo has accomplished much despite having only completed grade six. He demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit that, combined with the guidance from his mentor, has led to significant success.
The farmer also shown tremendous growth in his maize crop cultivation on account of meticulous fertiliser and chemical application with the guidance of his mentor.
One of the qualities in Ngcobo that caught Stapylton-Smith’s attention, is his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. “His mantra has been to save every cent no matter how little he earned and that is what set him apart,” Stapylton-Smith says.
He shares that the biggest turning point in Ngcobo’s farming career was when they managed to get a small milking machine installed in an old shed on the farm and he started supplying fresh milk to a dairy company.
“This as opposed to hand milking cows and selling maas into the rural areas. That is when his business changed. Becoming a fresh milk supplier to a dairy company with the equipment and machinery that could automate his milking.”
READ NEXT: Farmer Mentor: Mthombeni’s mega farm is bursting at the seams
Get Stories of Change: Inspirational stories from the people who feed Mzansi.
