UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL…

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Farming is not easy, but don’t give up.

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY IF YOU COULD?

I should have bought a bigger incubator.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS TO DATE?

Building my farm to what I have today is my biggest success so far. But I do celebrate my small successes as well and try not to put myself under too much pressure.

WHO HAS MADE THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR SUCCESS SO FAR?

My late father, Arnoldus, and my mother, Mumsie.

DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS. DO THEY PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR BUSINESS?

I have good relationships with my neighbours, and we always give one another advice and support.

DID YOU FIND IT CHALLENGING TO SECURE FINANCING? WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU OFFER SOMEONE IN A SIMILAR POSITION?

I’ve tried applying for financing since I started but unfortunately I have never been successful at getting any sort of loan or funding. So I wouldn’t really know how to advise others. I can only say that aspiring commercial farmers should carry on working hard and have faith that help will get to them.

ARE INPUT SUPPLIERS LIKE ANIMAL HEALTH COMPANIES SIGNIFICANT TO YOUR OPERATION?

The suppliers that are involved are reasonably supportive and they offer me some good advice.

IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO GIVE THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE SOME ADVICE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HER?

I would love it if the minister of agriculture could visit my project one day and see where they can help me. If I succeeded in this business, I would be able to help more young people and create much-needed employment in the area.