De Oude Kraal is a sixth-generation Free State Merino sheep farm, located about 35km from Bloemfontein, owned by Gerhard and Marie Lombard. The farm has 3 000 sheep on as many hectares, but today is far better known for its luxurious country accommodation, spa, conference and wedding facilities, and award-winning dining experience.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Gerhard, who hails from Bedford in the Eastern Cape, sold his game farm there to move with wife Marie to De Oude Kraal and develop the hospitality side of the business. They made this decision after noting the success that businesses in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and areas adjacent to the Kruger National Park had had with farm-based hospitality. Today, the Lombards’ passion for hospitality, and their exacting standards, are everywhere to be seen at De Oude Kraal.
Marie was born on the farm, and her daughter, Marie-Louise Nel, a qualified attorney, joined the business in 2016. MarieLouise learned her culinary skills from an early age by helping her mother cook and has taken the farm’s cuisine from strength to strength. With 15 consecutive fine-dining awards by American Express, De Oude Kraal’s five-course dinners are not only superb, but good value for money.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
The farm’s Garden rooms look out over an area favoured by sable and springbok. When I opened the double French doors of the luxurious Suite 11, some springbok nibbling the grass were so close that they sprang away.
Esta historia es de la edición October 09, 2020 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 09, 2020 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
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.
