It had cost crop farmer Sydney Claassen around R150 000 to establish Pinehaven Farm, however, every cent spent was worth it. He shares his inspiring journey on our Farmer Mentor podcast series on Farmer’s Inside Track.
Sydney Claassen, an award-winning farmer in Stellenbosch, started out as a farmworker at a wholesale nursery. There, he spent his days tending to fragile seedlings, nurturing them with the utmost care. It was also where he learned a great deal about propagation and the precise balance of watering and fertilisation.
However, as the years passed, Claassen’s curiosity grew. He knew the ins and outs of the nursery, but his knowledge was confined within its glass walls. He often found himself wondering what happened to the seedlings once they left. What challenges did they face in the vast world outside?
“I was always fascinated by getting to know what happens to those seedlings once they leave the controlled environment of the nursery and reach other farmers,” he says.
Driven by this desire, Claassen ventured out of the nursery and into the world of farming. He started small, with a modest plot of land, and began experimenting with different crops.
“I’m not shy to say that my journey started as a farmworker. I had the opportunity to further my studies. I also motivated myself by thinking that, as a younger generation, I should always strive to surpass the level my father and grandfather reached in farming,” Claassen shares.
Recognition and growth
Claassen was awarded the Kaap Agri Supplier of the Year award in 2018 for his work on Pinehaven Farm, located in one of the Western Cape’s premier wine regions. Since 2004, he has been producing various crops on approximately seven hectares of land.
Establishing Pinehaven required a significant investment, costing between R100 000 and R150 000, Claassen recalls. He had to dig deep into his own finances, facing difficult choices along the way.
“It wasn’t easy for us at the time. I had to take a calculated risk. It became easier when we started working with different stakeholders and the department of agriculture.
“We basically proved and showed them that we had started doing things for ourselves first before they came and joined us,” he shares.
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Sustainable practices
Claassen states that they have completely transformed their farming practices and business operations. At Pinehaven, they prioritise sustainable and environmentally friendly methods. As a result, they avoid using herbicides or any chemicals that could be harmful to human health.
“Our practices are in line with our Global Gap standards that we apply on the farm. A lot of that comes from what our clients need and require us to do.”
They transitioned from overhead sprinklers to 70% drip irrigation on the farm. “We focus on enriching our soil with natural compost, believing it will yield better results over time compared to conventional fertilisers.”
They use intercropping, planting green beans in summer, and then allowing the land to rest before planting crops like baby marrows.
Market relationships and farm management
Pinehaven’s produce reaches formal and informal markets. Claassen emphasises the importance of building and maintaining relationships.
“Markets can be demanding with their specifications. That’s why we have a strong relationship with our clients’ technical staff, who are welcome to visit the farm during each vegetable growth phase. This ensures they are satisfied with the quality of our produce.”
Key decisions that have contributed to the farm’s success include a better understanding of the soil, moving away from blindly following traditional methods to regularly conducting soil analysis.
“We also invest in our workers. We use a commission system to motivate them and make them feel like integral parts of the farm after each yield.”
Claassen works closely with his brother, who handles the farm’s marketing and finances. They meet weekly to plan the next planting season. It is Claassen’s responsibility to oversee the farm’s overall operations.
“I need to understand what needs to be done in the coming week, and we follow a solid growing programme. This helps us manage expenses and budgeting.”
Over time, Claassen has learned that being present on the farm is crucial.
“Keep your foot on the ground, understand your land and your labour force. Stay connected with your crops, learn from neighbouring farmers, and read a lot; that’s very important.”
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
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