Jde Nysschen, the 2023 Agri Limpopo and Toyota Young Farmer of the Year, grew up in a farming family and believes this was the reason he chose farming as a career. After attending the Dr Annecke Primary School in Letsitele and completing his secondary school education at the Ben Vorster High School in Tzaneen, he realised he had never wanted to do nothing else than farming.
In 2010, JJ joined his family's farming operation near Letsitele. In 2015 the farming operation split, with each group within the family establishing their own farming operation. JJ and his father, Koos, continued to farm on the farms Junction, Delhi and Hornby in the Letsitele area as well as a 2 300ha game farm, Vluchtkraal, near Bandelierskop. They farm citrus, game, cattle and chicken broilers in Limpopo.
JJ's strategy focuses on improving the farming business and he will only expand when and where it makes business sense. "I always strive to increase the yield, improve on the quality of the fruit, as well as to remain profitable. I want to focus on the things I can change and improve, and not waste time on those things that are a given,” JJ points out.
He produces oranges, Star Ruby pomelos and lemons on 250ha in the Letsitele valley. At present citrus production constitutes the core of the farming operation, but JJ says the broiler production provides a steady and reliable income.
IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSIFYING
“One needs to diversify to spread the risk. Although citrus will remain the main focus, the broilers, cattle, and game farming, to a lesser extent, help to spread the risk as well as provide a steady income throughout the year,” says JJ.
Denne historien er fra 22+29 December 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra 22+29 December 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.
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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
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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.
