YOUNG FARMERS

What made you choose Farming?

Farming chose us. We both completed our studies as a pilot and a special effects makeup artist. A few years ago, we travelled to America in pursuit of our dreams but quickly realized that our hearts belonged to South Africa. We always talked about a self-sustainable lifestyle and living closer to nature. We both love animals and the outdoor life. Three years ago, we started looking for a small farm that was large enough for all the animals we had our eyes on, but small enough to handle ourselves.

What steps did you follow to purchase your first farm?

We did not have any financial assistance, so we had to become creative in our negotiations regarding the purchase of our farm. We went through the nail-biting process of waiting to be approved. Our excitement knew no bounds when we got approved. We could not wait to start renovating the old farmhouse. It was hard and there were many sleepless nights over where our next meal would come from or money to feed our animals.

We decided to opt for tenants in the second house on the farm for financial and safety reasons. We are both go-getters and knew we would never give up on ourselves, our animals, or our farm. Today we can look back and just be grateful for all the blessings we received. We worked hard but got contracts with a few major green grocers and private vendors. We generate our own food and do not have to ask anybody for assistance. We both believe that God wanted us to be farmers. He chose this life for us and we will succeed. We want to succeed.

What does a typical work day look like on your farm and what challenges do you have?

We get up just before 5am to have a meeting with our foreman to plan the day ahead. We wait for our team to arrive so we can brief them on the day’s tasks. Our team consists of pickers in the fields and packers or cu􀂂ers in the factory. Then we sort and pack our orders for small vendors and large green grocers. Our goal is to deliver the freshest produce to maximize shelf life.

What challenges do you have?

Our biggest challenge is to keep the crop healthy. Someone once said “the success to farming is your footprints in the field” We learned this the hard way. Keep your eyes on the fields or you will have a spoilt crop. Any crop needs nurturing and attention.

Did you have a lot of criticism because of the fact that neither of you had a formal agricultural Education?

We both worked for a small milling company and have experience in production management and the broad infrastructure regarding trade, sales and admin of a mill, but no formal agricultural qualifications. Most of our friends and family were very supportive. If they thought we were crazy for starting this venture, they never voiced it. The farming community was very helpful and supportive.

Is it possible for a young farming couple to juggle early mornings on the farm, family and social life?

It is important to keep your work time separate from you recreation. We love to entertain our friends and family on the farm or we drive out to the city for some serious entertainment. “Life is good”, like the old Italians would say. We work hard and then we play hard. You need to find a balance between these two aspects of life to survive a farm.  

If you are a young farmer wanting to take a leap of faith into the world of self-sustainability you can send your questions to Lieze via e-mail at topstarfarming@gmail.com She will answer you as best possible. This couple would love to pay it forward.