Mpho Munyai (44), a finalist in this year’s New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year award, is an example that grandparents often have an influence on the decisions their grandchildren make. He developed an interest in cattle production at a young age as he looked after his late grandfather’s Afrikaner cattle. As a young boy, he also worked in the crop fields alongside his grandmother, who still plays an important role in his farming activities. She remains one of Mpho’s role models and he regularly taps into her wisdom.
Today Mpho, who farms on Vlakfontein near Magaliesburg in North West, is a recognised cattle farmer with two studs – the Vhanyai Boran stud and the Vhanyai Droughtmaster stud. In 2022 he received the national mentor of the year award at the 2022 ARC Beef Performers Awards and in 2023 he was acknowledged as the national elite developing breeder of the year by SA Stud Book.
In 2021 he made the decision to include crop production as a way of diversifying his agricultural enterprise and to make the best use of his land. He attends the Ventersdorp study group and grabs any opportunity to increase his knowledge about crop production.
When he planted for the first time, he used a contractor which caused a delay in the production cycle. After joining Grain SA in 2023, he realised the importance of owning your own equipment and consequently made the investment. He achieved a 6,5 t/ha yield that compares well with his commercial neighbours. He ensures that his lands are clean and free of weeds, and hopes to own his own combine harvester in the future.
Apart from a willingness to learn, Mpho has been committed to making a difference in the industry by mentoring other farmers and aspiring farmers from Gauteng and North West. Every four months he hosts 15 to 20 students from Unisa on his farm, focusing on land cultivation, crop production, animal improvement, cattle selection, grazing management as well as health management. This forms part of their practical farming experience. ‘People need to be coached and guided in any business. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience to help develop up-and-coming farmers.’
MPHO’S STORY
Why did you decide to leave the corporate world?
I think that my passion just kept calling me and after 15 years in the corporate world, I now feel as if I am on holiday because I’m doing what I love. It is really
a fulfilling calling – I am at peace, content, and hopeful about my future.
What have you learned since you became a crop farmer?
Farming is a lifestyle, and you must know that you are never going to get what you want – so it keeps you humble. There are many challenges in farming as you are gambling with the environment, and you have no control over it. It is a leap of faith. Planning is important and you need to be disciplined. There is no instant gratification as it is not a six-month project you work on, so you have to be very patient. To farm, you need faith, perseverance, and tenacity.
FARM FACTS
Name: Vhanyai Ranch, Vlakfontein
Nearest town: Magaliesburg
Region: North West
Size: 1 400 ha
Type of farming operation: Mixed – plants maize and runs two studs (Boran and Droughtmaster cattle)
PGP’S CONTRIBUTION
- Joined Grain SA in 2023
- Ventersdorp study group
TRAINING COURSES COMPLETED
- Introduction to farm management and farm finance
MENTOR’S VIEW
Du Toit van der Westhuizen, regional development manager in North West, says that Mpho is a dedicated farmer who is keen to learn and improve his agricultural practices. ‘He has shown very good progress and is a real ambassador for development in South Africa. His main aim is to plant more hectares to contribute to the country’s food security.’
