Some farming stories are about record harvests, bumper seasons or hard-won success. And then there is Rico.
For seven years, this remarkable sheep survived completely on his own in the unforgiving Moordenaars Karoo. Separated from his flock, he had no human care and was exposed to predators, drought and the elements.
He had to find his own water and grazing, fending for himself from one drought to the next.
“Any farmer will tell you that for a sheep to survive on its own in this area is no easy feat,” says Dan Kriek, general manager of the National Wool Growers’ Organisation (NWGA).
“Rico was on his own for seven years without any human care, completely exposed to predators and the elements. He had to search for his own water and grazing, fending for himself from one drought to the next, until someone spotted him against a boundary fence.”
That moment changed Rico’s life.
He was taken to the Brinks’ farm at Spitzkop, where Marietjie and Niel Brink cared for him and finally sheared him.
Then came another surprise. Rico’s fleece weighed an extraordinary 30.7kg, setting a local record. But his story did not stop there.
More than a record-breaking fleece
Rico’s remarkable survival soon captured the imagination of the South African wool industry.
His story made the news, inspired a special song and accompanying video at the NWGA’s annual congress and centennial celebrations, and even led to a unique wall hanging being woven from his wool by Gerber and Co.
Yet for the NWGA, Rico represents something much bigger than an extraordinary sheep.
This year marks the centenary of South Africa’s wool growers’ organisation, and Rico’s journey mirrors many of the challenges faced by farmers over the past century.
“Rico’s story resonates with the NWGA on various levels,” says Kriek.
“The local wool industry is celebrating its centennial this year, and much like Rico, the South African wool industry’s road was no bed of roses. It also speaks of difficult times, survival of the fittest, and radical change.”
But there is another side to that story.
“It is also an ode to victory, growth, renewal, and many highlights,” Kriek says.
“The story of our industry and the producers who continued to elevate it through ups and downs to the world-class industry it is today, is a testament to the same resilience that kept Rico going and has now made him a legend of our time.”
And now that resilience is being passed on.
From Rico’s story to someone else’s opportunity
The Brinks wanted Rico’s remarkable journey to have a lasting impact.
They understand that the effects of drought reach far beyond the farm gate. For farming families, a difficult season can also threaten a child’s plans for university and their hopes for a career.
“They understand very well how drought can affect one’s children’s university plans,” says Kriek.
“As a result, they requested the NWGA to take the lead in creating a bursary fund that will make a real difference to the lives of hard-working learners.”
That wish has now become reality.
The Rico Bursary Fund, launched by the NWGA and the University of the Free State’s Faculty of Agriculture in Bloemfontein on 17 August, will give deserving agricultural students an opportunity to build their own futures.
The University of the Free State has already allocated eight full bursaries for Master’s degrees in sustainable agriculture to the fund. A further two undergraduate bursaries have also been included.
One will benefit a learner from the broader Karoo agricultural community, while the second will go to a learner from one of South Africa’s other wool-producing regions.
Both students will be able to study any agricultural degree offered by the UFS Faculty of Agriculture.
A story that keeps giving
There is something fitting about Rico’s story becoming a vehicle for education.
A sheep that survived seven years against the odds is now helping young people overcome their own obstacles.
“Symbolism has true value only if it can be made visible,” says Kriek.
And perhaps that is the most beautiful part of Rico’s story. The best ending to a good story may be a happy one. But the best stories are the ones that continue to give long after the final chapter.
As the NWGA begins its next hundred years, Rico’s story is entering a new phase too.
The sheep who once had to fend for himself is now helping others find a helping hand.
And his woolly legacy could help a new generation of agricultural leaders take root, grow and thrive.
The public will soon be able to contribute to the Rico Bursary Fund. Details on how to support the fund will be shared through the NWGA’s and UFS’s social media pages and other platforms.
Rico may have survived alone. But his legacy doesn’t have to.
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