“They say you have 40 summers to do what you want to do. I’m there now, but I feel there are still a few left. So, we’re still going at full steam,” reflects Pieter Gildenhuys, affectionately known as Piet Fiets.
This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of a Southern Cape farmer whose journey has been a remarkable testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of regenerative agriculture.
Gildenhuys’s life on the farm began in the shadow of adversity.
Those early years on the Helderberg plain – or, as he aptly calls it, the “plain of despair” – were fraught with challenges, including a rocky start, swift relocations, and a string of obstacles that might have deterred many. However, his passion for the land and his indomitable spirit propelled him forward.
A trip Down Under
It was an unexpected trip to Australia with Jack Human that changed the game entirely for Gildenhuys. He reminisces, “When I met him, he had already stopped burning his fields and had switched to stubble cultivation, using tine implements instead of a plough to work the land.”
Armed with newfound knowledge and state-of-the-art implements, his farming journey took a decisive turn. But that was just the beginning of his extraordinary tale.
Smuggling canola into South Africa
A fascinating twist awaited Gildenhuys on his journey – an audacious role in smuggling the first canola seeds into South Africa. This revelation is nothing short of ground-breaking, underscoring the audacity and vision that fuels innovation in agriculture. He reflects on the momentous occasion, saying, “[Australian farmer] John Ryan then saw our interest… At that time, we hadn’t even heard of canola. We didn’t know such a crop existed.”
For Gildenhuys, farming is not just a profession; it’s a way of life passed down through generations. He believes, “A farmer is born. You can’t make a farmer.” Growing up on a farm instilled in him the values and practices that make farming sustainable.
He is currently the fifth generation on his family’s farm, and his son represents the sixth. The privilege of farming where his ancestors once walked the path is a source of immense pride.
Striving for knowledge
Gildenhuys’s farm is situated on the Heidelberg Plain, a vast expanse with its share of challenges. He explains, “We only get about 365mm of rainfall per year on average. Of that, we get only about 200mm when we have crops in the ground.”
Moreover, the soil in the region varies significantly, from heavy red soils to lighter sandy soils, and is strewn with rocks. Nevertheless, his family has a long history of farming in this demanding environment.
Gildenhuys’s inquisitive nature led him to question conventional farming practices from an early age. He shares an anecdote from his youth, “I was always looking for something better, and the answer only came much later.”
His pursuit of a better way eventually led him to Human, a pioneer in conservation farming. This innovative approach emphasises minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and soil cover, resulting in healthier, more productive land.
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The evolution of conservation agriculture
However, his early adoption of conservation agriculture in 1989 came with its fair share of challenges. He recalls, “We struggled a lot with them.” The initial implements were ill-suited for stubble cultivation.
Yet, Gildenhuys remained determined to make the system work. Over time, new implements revolutionised their approach and made conservation farming a viable and sustainable practice. He notes, “When the new implements became available, it completely turned our lives around and made things much easier.”
In 1995, his journey took a pivotal turn when he learned about canola during a visit to an Australian research station. Canola offered numerous advantages, including weed control and a taproot system that improved soil structure.
Sowing the seeds for a new industry
Gildenhuys’s excitement about the crop is palpable as he reflects, “I immediately realised the value of the crop.” He planted the first two hectares of canola on his farm, not only diversifying his crop rotation but also sowing the seeds for a new industry in South Africa.
Southern Oil, established in 1995, played a crucial role in adding value to the emerging canola industry. Gildenhuys reflects on their partnership, saying, “Southern Oil was established in 1995 by Sentraal-Suid Koöperasie to add value to this new crop.”
The company ensured quality and consistency in the production chain, turning canola into a competitive crop alongside wheat in South Africa. The company’s products include canola oil, oilcake (a protein source for livestock), and various food products, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Looking ahead, Gildenhuys sees a promising future for canola in the country. He envisions canola oil becoming more affordable and accessible to the broader public, thereby promoting health benefits and reducing the country’s reliance on imported oils.
READ NEXT: Chance encounter ignites ‘Farming with nature’ journey
- Tune in for Food For Mzansi and SSK’s brand-new Farming with nature television series, airing from Monday, 18 September to Sunday, 1 October at 19:30 on People°s Weather, DStv channel 180 and Openview channel 115. There is also a repeat broadcast at 21:00 on the same evening. For a comprehensive weekend catch-up, stay tuned for the omnibus edition airing on both Saturdays and Sundays
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