March΄s hero: Cobus van Coller
Cobus van Coller is a grain producer in the Viljoenskroon area. He served on the board of Grain SA, chaired the NAMPO Harvest Day Committee for several years, and served on various Grain SA working groups. It was, however, his involvement and passion for conservation agriculture (CA) that inspired Dr Hendrik Smith from ASSET Research to nominate him as hero for the Grain SA and John Deere My Hero series.
Background information of the My Hero winner
for March
Hendrik shares how Cobus was instrumental in the establishment of the CA research programme funded by the Maize Trust around 2010. Since the start of this programme in 2013 he has been deeply involved and committed to its success.
The CA research forum was also founded during this time – he has been serving as chairperson ever since the inception and has not missed one of the annual meetings.
Cobus is a prominent CA producer in the Viljoenskroon area, which is otherwise perceived to be a difficult area for CA due to its sandy soils and hot and dry climate. He made CA work on his farm and has never looked backed. Every season he has tried something new and turned it into a success.
He has been in the front line of on-farm innovation and success in CA in the western grain production region of South Africa. Two years ago, he started a big CA trial on his farm in collaboration with ASSET Research and the Ottosdal No-till Club, supported by agribusinesses like Omnia. The trial also forms part of the Maize Trust’s programme.
Cobus is also involved in other agricultural industries such as cattle, sheep and a feedlot. Hendrik praises him as an active member of his community and a family man.
