Being chosen as a finalist in the Potential Commercial category of Grain SA’s Farmer of the Year competition, is a huge honour for Thwala Jacob Mlungisi (44). He sees it as an encouragement to work even harder and improve his farming skills for future purposes.
Although he worked in the trucking industry for many years, he also dreamed of becoming a farmer. His farming passion developed even more while working as a truck driver for various farmers. In 2012, he made the decision to start farming on a part-time basis. When Thwala joined PGP ten years later, his dream of being a full-time farmer could at last became a reality.
Becoming part of a study group and attending training courses have helped him develop his agricultural skills. He is extremely grateful to the PGP team and partners of the programme for the quality input that he now receives.
To expand his agricultural knowledge, he attends the Newcastle study group regularly and has completed several training courses. The knowledge he has gained through the Farmer Development Programme has contributed greatly towards his success story. Last season Thwala planted 85 ha of crops which realised a total of 275 tons – 35 ha of maize which delivered 175 tons, 46 ha of soybeans which realised 92 tons and 4 ha of dry beans which produced 96 tons.
He sees field preparation and soil sampling as key steps to a successful crop. Over the past two years, Thwala has added crop rotation to his production process. He has also put no-till practices into action. ‘This is the best way to save money and the soil.’
THWALA’S STORY
Why do you like being a farmer?
The best thing is that my crops help to feed the nation and also create job opportunities for our community.
What are some of challenges you face?
Although theft is the number-one enemy in the farming sector, rats, crows and other wild animals that consume the crops are a huge challenge. The worst
challenge is probably that we, as farmers, have no control over the climate. It
can damage our whole crop and destroy all the profit. My passion for farming keeps me going through all these challenges. One should never lose hope and give up – perseverance is key to success.
What is your plan for the future?
I hope to get a bigger farm where I can produce more. I am also grooming family members so that my farming legacy can continue when I am no longer around.
Thwala’s three top tips for beginner crop farmers:
- Make sure your land is suitable for crop farming.
- Do soil sampling if you want to get a good yield.
- Regular maintenance will keep your equipment in good condition and save time and money.
FARM FACTS
Name: Kaalvlakte Farm
Nearest town: Dannhauser
Region: KwaZulu-Natal
Size: 85 ha
Type of farming operation: Mixed – crops (maize and soybeans) and livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats)
PGP’S CONTRIBUTION
- Joined PGP in 2022
- Newcastle study group
- Member of 250 Ton Club: 2024
A MENTOR’S VIEW
Graeme Engelbrecht, regional development manager at PGP’s Dundee office, believes that Thwala’s determination to succeed has played a huge part in his success story. ‘He is focused on what he wants and is one of those farmers who gets the job done. He is prepared to tackle the work himself and doesn’t wait or expect others to do it for him.’
