Karabo soars as Mahlaba Eagles Farming takes flight

Nestled in the Free State town of Reitz, Hoekieplaas Farm specialises in grain and livestock. Karabo Mahlaba, who co-owns and manages the business under the name Mahlaba Eagles Farming, shares his story in our Farmer Mentor podcast on Farmer’s Inside Track.

When you first meet Karabo Mahlaba, his shy and slightly reserved personality might fool you. At first glance, you might not see the remarkable individual beneath the surface. However, don’t be deceived. Mahlaba is a rising star in the world of agriculture, a farmer of note, managing an impressive 300-hectare farming enterprise.

Beneath his reserved demeanour lies a young and brilliant mind that has transformed his family’s farm into a thriving enterprise.

Their farm, Hoekieplaas, in the Free State town of Reitz, specialises in grain and livestock. Their main crops are maize and soybeans, and their livestock are grass-fed beef cattle. They trade under the name Mahlaba Eagles Farming.

It all started with Mahlaba’s grandfather, Simon, who worked as a farmworker for over 50 years until he had his big break to farm on his own land.

“At the time, my twin brother and I were still in high school. It was just my father and my older brother who were involved in the production of the farm. About five years later, I joined.”

A lot has changed since. Mahlaba has become part of the farm’s management team. They have implemented a data-driven approach to agriculture, utilising precision agricultural technologies and GPS-enabled machinery to optimise yield and resource efficiency.

“Unlike previously, we maximise the yields while minimising the costs,” Mahlaba shares.

Karabo Mahlaba examining the teeth of his cattle. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Securing markets

Mahlaba Eagles Farming sells their grains to the VKB co-op at SAFEX prices, a strategy they have employed to secure markets.

“When the harvest looks good, we lock in profits early. We head to VKB and pre-sell around 80% of our expected maize yield (around 400 tonnes) at the week’s favourable fixed price. This strategy secures our market and guarantees a good price,” he explains.

On their farm, Mahlaba has also been able to combine his grandfather’s traditional knowledge with modern technology. They are on the verge of expanding.

“We’ve recently secured another piece of land where we are going to try out a different crop.”

With his innovative spirit, Mahlaba has a bright future in agriculture ahead of him. “I still am shy, though. But I’m trying to overcome that,” he admits with a chuckle.