It is commercial farming on an entirely different level, and unlike anything I have ever seen before. On a recent visit to ALS Group, one of the biggest farming groups in Mzansi, I quickly realised that technology is already playing a tremendous role in the success of South Africa’s top farmers.
The drive to ALS Group’s farming operations from the tranquil and leafy Pretoria was long and bumpy. All of that suddenly became insignificant when our minibus – with some of the country’s top-tier agricultural writers part of Agricultural Writers South Africa – touched down in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.
It is here where the Joubert family runs a portion of the ALS Group Agri Division, breeding livestock and growing grain. They do the same in the Free State. But it doesn’t end there. The family has an impressive game and livestock farming operation in North West and the Northern Cape.
ALS Group Agri Division is the 2022 Agricultural Writers SA Farmer of the Year recipient. After a visit to their farms, it all makes sense why this farming group outshines most farmers in the country.
Apart from cattle, they also plant soybeans and maize, and have silage-making operations. The group also runs serious operations in a number of sectors and industries. From building construction, and civil construction, to equipment hire, mining, property development, aviation, and human resources.
ALS Group has a cattle headcount of 5 000, a cattle stud and a cattle feedlot. Here cattle herdsmen are tending to a herd of Beefmaster cattle. Photo: Magda du Toit.
ALS Group Agri Division workers are meticulously trained on the company’s core values. A beautifully designed uniform confirms the sense of unity and partnership present in this business. Seven core values run through this entire group: honesty, reliability, professionalism, respect, discipline, loyalty and safety. Photo: Magda du Toit.
Located east outside the Vredefort Dome in the Free State, near the small town of Parys, is Rondekop Safaris which offers visitors a unique African hunting experience with beautiful landscapes and facilities suitable for any hunting need. From the walk and stalk with a rifle or bow, to hides for the bowhunter and long-distance shooting. Photo: Jennifer Roets.
Two rhinos were spotted at the Lekwena Wildlife Estate in Potchefstroom, North West. They are peacefully roaming the vast land at their disposal, owned and run by the ALS Group. Photo: Magda du Toit.
The main venue at Lekwena Wildlife Estate consists of a dining area with a fireplace, a boardroom, conference facilities and a bar. Approximately 65 guests can be accommodated at the venue and conference room. Photo: Liza Bohlmann.
Hanlie du Plessis, Liza Bohlmann, Magda du Toit, Jennifer Roets, Marianna du Plessis, Duncan Masiwa, and Herbie Wundrum. Photo: Supplied
It is a sight to behold. The Lekwena Wildlife Estate is home to the most beautiful sunsets on South African soil. The Joubert family hosted AWSA atop one of the hills on the 1300-hectare estate where we ended an insightful day. Photo: Jennifer Roets.
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