The dawn of a new era for Orange River Cellars
Farmer's Weekly|March 31, 2023
Orange River Cellars, located in Upington in the Northern Cape, is in the process of converting from a co-operative to a company. CEO Charl du Plessis spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this development.
Glenneis Kriel
The dawn of a new era for Orange River Cellars

How and why was Orange River Cellars established?
Orange River Cellars (ORC) was launched in 1965 as a co-operative to create an outlet for wine grapes produced in the region once the Orange River Irrigation Scheme took effect in 1966.

ORC’s Upington Cellar was built in 1967 and had its first harvest the following year. At the time, it produced only three types of wine: a dry white, a semi-sweet and a sweet.

From the 1970s onwards, production increased substantially, leading to the establishment of wine cellars in Keimoes, Grootdrink, Groblershoop and Kakamas, as well as juice cellars in Kanoneiland and Grootdrink.

Its product range also expanded to include a wide variety of single-cultivar and blended still wines, brandies, fortified wines, and even gin.

How was the co-operative structured?
Each farmer had a quota to deliver a certain volume of wine each season, and the co-operative’s profits were shared between the farmers.

Producers who wanted to downscale their wine-grape production or stop altogether would sell their quotas to others looking to grow their production.

Why are you converting the co-operative into a company?
The co-operative system is a dated and rather clumsy business model because of the time it takes to get everybody’s approval to make decisions and evaluate their impact. It’s also difficult to build reserves for difficult times, as the profits are paid out to producers every year.

The main reason for the change, however, is that most of our suppliers have downscaled winegrape production over the past decade in favour of more lucrative crops, such as raisins, and nobody wants to take over their quotas, let alone buy them.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 31, 2023 من Farmer's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 31, 2023 من Farmer's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من FARMER'S WEEKLY مشاهدة الكل
The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa
Farmer's Weekly

The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa

Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country's beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake
Farmer's Weekly

Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake

This delicious mango fridge tart is so easy to make, perfect when you want a quick yet indulgent dessert (it only takes 25 minutes to whip up). The fruit’s gorgeous colour and fragrance are maximised.

time-read
1 min  |
March 07, 2025
Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25
Farmer's Weekly

Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25

In its latest estimate, the International Grains Council has adjusted global wheat production for the coming season due to poorer-than-expected harvests in the EU. However, global supplies remain strong, while global consumption is expected to increase to reach about 804 million tons. Janine Ryan reports.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025
From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story
Farmer's Weekly

From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story

Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, a relatively new wine estate, has established itself as one of the best producers of sparkling wine in South Africa. Owners Doug and Sue Lund spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production philosophy, rise to success, and possible expansion plans.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat
Farmer's Weekly

Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat

Wheat is a significant crop, and like other crops, is susceptible to a range of infections. Here, we provide information on the most important fungal diseases that affect wheat.

time-read
1 min  |
March 07, 2025
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
Farmer's Weekly

Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals

For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.

time-read
6 mins  |
March 07, 2025
The origin of the Bonsmara
Farmer's Weekly

The origin of the Bonsmara

The Breed of the Month for March is the Bonsmara. In this first article, we take a look at the man behind this popular cattle breed, as well as how it was developed.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025
The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice
Farmer's Weekly

The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice

While some of its contemporaries have suffered from inner-city neglect, the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel has bounced back in elegance and style, writes Brian Berkman.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Age catches up with the Nissan Navara
Farmer's Weekly

Age catches up with the Nissan Navara

The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan's effort to win back market share. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Growing onion sets
Farmer's Weekly

Growing onion sets

Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025