When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced South Africa’s lockdown restrictions in March, Teresa Theron suggested to her family that they start a vegetable patch, as their trips to the supermarket would be limited.
Theron’s plot on the outskirts of Mbombela, Mpumalanga, has seen its fair share of farming activity over the years, with Theron referring to herself as an ‘Old MacDonald’ farmer. She and her father farmed Meatmaster sheep on the land, and she collected a wide variety of pets, including ostriches, alpacas and pigeons. Last year, however, her father died suddenly and the sheep were sold.
“My husband told me I needed something to keep myself busy to get over the shock of losing my father,” recalls Theron. “So I decided to use the vacant land to plant vegetables, but it never got off the ground.
“When the lockdown started, my daughters, Nicole and Jacqueline, came back from university and we decided to get the vegetable project properly underway. We already had the nets, and we all pitched in.
“We thought we’d plant a mix of vegetables for ourselves and the surrounding community, but soon realised we had hopelessly too much. It was started simply as a fun project, but now it’s turned into a business, under the name Uni-Theron Trading.”
PRODUCTION
The Therons started by discing the land. After that, each family member took turns to push the rotovator on the lands.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
