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.”
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin Farmer's Weekly 2 June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin Farmer's Weekly 2 June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
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
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
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
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.