Starting and growing a successful farming business requires determination, capital, a market, and much more. And among these elements, one, in particular, stands out: partnerships. This is one of the key lessons that Yolandi Leen learnt when she and her husband, Kobus, launched their nursery, Kobus se Kwekery, in Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo in 2014.
Arguably their biggest break came when Patrick Murray, the owner of Langkloof Seedlings, decided to help them realise their dream of establishing their own nursery.
“Kobus and I come from a family of farmworkers near Herold [in the George district], and we gained experience while working at Patrick’s nursery for more than 24 years. In 2014, Patrick went into a 50:50 business partnership with us and helped us secure a lease for land belonging to the Oudtshoorn Municipality. We also obtained funding from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture to get the nursery going.” In addition, the department provided the couple with nursery infrastructure, along with seed trays, wooden supports for the trays, irrigation, a packhouse, and implements such as a planter.
To ensure the nursery got off to a good start, Murray was initially actively involved in the running of the business. Gradually, however, he decreased his involvement and shareholding to allow the Leens to take full ownership in 2019.
“Patrick was a great asset, but our agreement was that he’d withdraw after five years. Despite his mentoring to prepare us for the transition, it was still a huge shock when he left,” says Leen.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 26 August 2022-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 26 August 2022-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
