Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief

Truth is, I never set out to work in agriculture. I’ve spent most of my career in journalism, telling stories across different mediums. But agriculture found me. I began to see the richness of the stories on our farms – the challenges, the innovations, the people behind it all – and realised they weren’t always being heard in the ways they deserved. I wanted to do my bit to help share those stories, to shine a light on solutions, and celebrate just how essential agriculture is to all of us.

On most days, I’m up at 5:00. Yep, I’m part of the irritating 5 AM club. I start with my morning coffee while getting my toddler’s lunchbox and school bag ready. At the same time, I catch up on international and local news, scrolling through my favourite sites and apps to see what’s happening in the world before the day really kicks off. Often the client mails and messages start streaming in from 06:00 onwards.

The part of my job that gives me the most joy is twofold. On one side, it’s seeing the exceptional talent we help nurture, a new generation of agricultural journalists discovering their potential. On the other, it’s the chance to help people grow as humans and, in the process, learn from them. There’s nothing quite like those moments when the light goes on in someone’s eyes and possibilities start to feel bigger than themselves.

This is a tough one. I’ll always be a journalist at heart, so part of me just wants to be out in the field, telling stories. But if I had to pick, I’d choose Meshaan van Wyk, our Social Media Journalist. She has the opportunity to shape a whole new future of storytelling that we can’t quite imagine yet. It’s new territory and the chance to break ground in ways that are exciting and full of possibility.

I’m not much of a home cook, to be honest. But I’m a simple-living kind of guy. Give me something hearty and uncomplicated, and I’m happy. Bonus if it’s nutritious enough.

I’d say, “Moetie my bôs warm maakie.” The literal translation is “don’t make my chest warm,” but it’s a proper Cape saying. It basically means, don’t get me worked up or don’t test my patience. It’s one of those phrases that instantly gives away where you’re from.

I don’t think I’d ever choose farming. The media industry is tough enough, and I wouldn’t trade it for something that’s just as difficult, if not more. That said, I used to dream of being a fruit farmer. You need a lot of patience and capital for that, though, and I have huge respect for those who make it work.

Maybe a honeybee. I’m always buzzing between stories, concepts and spreadsheets, connecting people, and helping things grow in small but meaningful ways.

Taurus

I don’t really stick to one song or artist, but at the moment, Spoegwolf is always on repeat. There’s something about their music that just clicks, whether I’m working, traveling, or just winding down.

I don’t really have the attention span for Netflix or movies, probably why I’m a terrible first-date companion. Also, i’m the single dad of a four-year-old. My little prince current rules the remote control.

Same story as with movies. My attention span isn’t great. But I can rewatch Friends episodes over and over, especially on long-haul flights. Phoebe Buffay’s my favourite. I even have a few quotes up my sleeve, like: “I wish I could, but I don’t want to.”

If I could only eat one South African snack for the rest of my life, it would have to be droëwors. Great for protein and pure comfort food. And of course, I’d throw in some salt-and-vinegar chips for good measure.

My favourite book has to be The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. I re-read it once every two years. It’s haunting, beautifully written, and always stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Friday nights, I usually go to bed early. Just too tired to do much else. Saturdays are for me and my kid. We make it fun, doing everything from fishing to exploring little towns nearby. It’s our time to just enjoy life and each other’s company.

The most surprising thing I’ve learned is just how small the agricultural world really is. And while it’s not perfect, the people in it are genuinely lekker. Friendly, passionate, and full of heart.