Although Vincent Mhlonitshwa admits that being exposed to communal farming in the Eastern Cape’s former Transkei fuelled his general passion for agriculture, he credits his successful transition to commercial agriculture to the mentorship he received from local commercial farmer Krisjan Kruger, who died suddenly in late 2015.
“My success has a lot to do with Krisjan; he was a good man and a good farmer,” says Mhlonitshwa, who today farms more than 300 Simbra-type beef cows and over 500 dual-purpose Dohne Merino ewes, which are supported by a 210ha cropping initiative.
“Farming in the communal areas is totally different than on commercial land,” he says. “If you as a communal farmer are not willing to be helped by a mentor, you will not succeed as a commercial farmer.”
Mhlonitshwa was born and raised near Mthatha in the former Transkei, where his father, Monde, was a leading communal farmer known for his maize and impressive cattle.
However, Mhlonitshwa recalls how challenging farming in a communal area can be. For example, he tells of how simple management procedures, such as giving a winter lick to one’s cattle, can be near impossible, as it would almost always be consumed by the animals of other communal farmers.
Nevertheless, this early exposure to communal agriculture had a profound impact on Mhlonitshwa and his older brother, Mveleli, as they both committed their lives to agriculture. In fact, his brother still farms in a communal area (he plants 150ha to maize and 50ha to soya bean every year). But Mhlonitshwa, it seems, was destined to transition from communal to commercial agriculture when, in 2006, his parents purchased the 507ha Uitwoon farm in the Elliot district.
Esta historia es de la edición August 23, 2024 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 August 23, 2024 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.
