The ALS Group is today a major agribusiness group with interests in everything from heavy equipment hire to mining, yet this remarkably diversified business has its roots deep in the agriculture sector.
In 1989, brothers Cas and Thys Joubert, and the late James Honiball, from the Newcastle area in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), started building dams in order to keep their tractors occupied in the off season. They registered the business in 1990, and today the ALS Group farms in four provinces on a combined 60 000ha of land, providing work to 1 100 households all told.
In 2022, Agricultural Writers South Africa named the ALS Group ‘National Farmer of the Year’.
“Our business success is built on integrity, principles, values and exceptional leadership,” says ALS Group director Johan Janse van Rensburg.
He adds that ALS has a ‘flat’ management structure, with individuals who share the same vision and business ethics and are equally optimistic about business prospects in South Africa.
Discipline, attention to detail, being open to the use of technology and ‘measuring to manage’ are part of the company’s DNA. At the same time, its core values (honesty, reliability, professionalism, respect, discipline, loyalty and safety) have helped ALS weather the many vicissitudes faced by South Africa’s farmers.
“There are always setbacks and challenges, but one has to look for opportunities within these circumstances,” says Janse van Rensburg. “We pride ourselves on the quality of our services, actions and operations, and I believe if that’s visible to the customer, they will knock on your door.”
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 2 June 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 2 June 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
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Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
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Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
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African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
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An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
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