From Bredasdorp in the Overberg to Paarl in the Boland, a dynamic group of farmers and agribusiness professionals attended Food For Mzansi’s historic first Farm Management Winter School – for an immersive learning experience led by a seasoned panel of experts.
The two-day event, held last week on the campus of Hugenote College in Wellington, was facilitated by hydroponics farmer Byron Booysen. Attendees not only gained insights into the role agriculture plays in society but also engaged in discussions on how to address sector challenges that could lead to job losses and significantly impact the economy.
Developing a culture of learning
Among the Winter School attendees was Derick Mouton, a well-known moringa grower and CEO of Rustic Living Trading. He said despite his many years in the sector he was always willing and open to learn new skills to benefit the longevity of his business.
“There are many challenges in the agricultural sector, and the more you get confronted by them, the more solutions present itself that you can make use of, which is the most important aspects that this winter school focuses on,” he said.
Redefining leadership
Renowned leadership coach Dr Johan Beukes challenged the farming cohort to rethink leadership by engaging them on the topic of authentic living and leading.
He urged them to consider how defining oneself plays a crucial role in successfully running a farming enterprise, emphasising the importance of staying true to one’s values while navigating the complexities of the agricultural industry.
“Applying a series of strategies can help you achieve your goals and make your business flourish. With the correct mindset, a clear vision, and the ability to identify the right people, you can reach a level of success that allows you to lead your organization effectively,” he said.
Beukes’s insights on authentic leadership resonated deeply with many attendees, including Rochella Mouton, a beekeeper from Wellington. She shared that the assistance she received from the department of agriculture, including equipment and protective work clothing, has significantly improved her business operations and streamlined her production processes.
“[Another Winter School] topic that was interesting is the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act [by Stephan Pieterse, founder of Work Accident Support].
“Despite being a small business and producing honey myself, I do not have staff yet because the business is relatively new,’ she said. “However, being made aware of things like the type of insurance and the necessary requirements for farmers with employees is very important for me.”
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Enhancing employee performance
Meanwhile, Neil Jansen, the founder of Abundance Talent Hub and a seasoned HR expert, delivered an engaging masterclass on the impact of stellar employee performance and the value of performance management.
Jansen highlighted that open communication and mutual understanding are crucial for aligning expectations between employees and management. He stressed that clear agreements are key to maintaining transparency and ensuring that everyone is on the same page from the start.
Other highlights from Farm Management Winter School
Other top talks at the Farm Management Winter School included a session by Dr Willem Hoffman, a senior lecturer in farm management from Stellenbosch University. His session on farm business management focused on practical strategies for enhancing operational efficiency and financial returns, essential for navigating the complex landscape of agricultural enterprise.
The spotlight also fell on climate change with Dr Tara Southey and her team presenting advancements in climate adaptation tailored for the Western Cape. This session highlighted the importance of climate data and introduced the TerraClim Beta WebApp, which aims to provide farmers with actionable insights to boost resilience and productivity.
Johannes Brand, a well-known agribusiness consultant, delivered a module on market access strategies aimed at maximising returns through improved market understanding and product differentiation.
Agronomist Wafiq Essop of AfriNat provided valuable insights into sustainable agriculture through soil health and biodiversity, while Ronelle Louwrens, CEO of YehBaby Digital. offered practical strategies for aligning personal and brand identity, enhancing market visibility, and strengthening digital presence.
Edward Heynes, group supply chain director at Servest, led an insightful module on leveraging supply chain insights for agricultural success, providing valuable lessons on market analysis and strategic marketing in the fresh produce and livestock sectors.
Craig Harrison, Western Cape provincial head of Land Bank, offered guidance on mastering funding applications, focusing on how to effectively prepare for innovative funding opportunities and enhance farm efficiency.
David Nefdt, chief programme officer at Casidra, presented an insightful session on unlocking economic and business development opportunities within the agricultural sector. He highlighted innovative strategies for growth and sustainability, focusing on how to identify and leverage emerging trends to optimise resources and transform agricultural practices into thriving business ventures.
The Wellington-based Winter School concluded with a case study and workshop on sustainable stewardship and agricultural ethics, led by Keenan Naicker, co-founder of SproutSmart and Local Cape Roots. This engaging session explored organic farming principles and provided interactive problem-solving exercises to apply sustainable practices in real-world scenarios.
Kobus Louwrens, co-founder and strategy director of the Food For Mzansi Group, explained that the Farm Management Winter School aimed to address the training and personal development needs of farm managers and solo farming entrepreneurs.
“Given the diverse participants and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from both attendees and faculty, we are pleased to say that we have achieved our goal with this inaugural event in Wellington,” he said.
- The second cohort of Food For Mzansi’s Farm Management Winter School is currently meeting at Golden Pipit in Centurion, Gauteng.
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