Passion, planning and perseverance makes a winner

March 2025

COMPILED BY LOUISE KUNZ, ASSISTANT EDITOR: PULA

‘EXPECT THE BEST, PLAN FOR THE WORST, AND PREPARE TO BE SURPRISED’ A QUOTE BY MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AND WRITER DENIS WAITLEY, IS A GOOD SUMMARY OF HOW THE 2024 GRAIN SA/ABSA/JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL NEW ERA COMMERCIAL FARMER OF THE YEAR, PETRUS RANKO TSOTETSI (57), SEES FARMING. ALTHOUGH THIS HUMBLE FARMER IS OPTIMISTIC, HE ALSO PREPARES FOR ANY OUTCOME THE SEASON MAY PRESENT.

Farming has taught Ranko many valuable lessons. One is that a farmer must work hard and keep his eyes and ears open. ‘I have also learned patience, as farming is a long-term project. You have to be focused, love what you are doing and be devoted.’ He has also come to realise that nothing on a farm is ‘set in stone’ – even if you plant on time and do everything right, you cannot predict the weather. ‘Somewhere in your farming career you will experience drought or floods and veld fires may wreak havoc, so being prepared at all times is crucial.’

ITS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST THE FARMER
This winning farmer, who farms on Die Bult, a 316-hectare farm in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District, near Kestell in the Free State, plants maize, soybeans and sugar beans in a rotation system. Last season he planted 191 ha in total – 85 ha of maize with a yield of 5,3 t/ha, 76 ha of soybeans realised a yield of 1,5 t/ha and 30 ha of small white beans where a yield of 0,9 t/ha was achieved. This season he planted a total of 235 ha – 110 ha maize, 110 ha soybean and 15 ha sugar beans and is feeling positive about what the season has in store.

To Ranko farming is about more than just making a living. ‘It’s about feeding the nation, contributing to job creation especially for the youth and helping my community.’ One of his big dreams is that as a seasoned commercial farmer he will be able to provide more jobs in the community and influence people to acknowledge the importance of agriculture.

He is also passionate about changing the youth’s perspective on farming and believes that their interest in agriculture should be kindled from a young age. ‘Introducing farming at primary school level and providing basic courses for the youth could help develop their interest.’

CHANGING PATHS SUCCESSFULLY
Ranko’s journey into farming was not preordained. Born in QwaQwa, he was the son of Joseph Tsotetsi, a versatile entrepreneur who balanced roles as a grain and cattle farmer, taxi owner and mechanic. From a young age, Ranko was immersed in mechanics, assisting his father with car repairs – a passion that led him to study motor mechanics in Bethlehem during the early 1990s. By 1995, he had established his own business, providing employment to several individuals.

However, the tides turned around 1999 when business challenges prompted Ranko to close his business. He relocated to Pretoria with his wife, Philia, and took on a supervisory role at Metrorail. In 2003, tragedy struck when his father passed away. This loss became a pivotal moment for Ranko. In 2010 he chose to honour his father's legacy by returning to the family farm, Die Bult, transitioning from the hustle and bustle of city life (and a secure income) to the peace and quiet (and volatility) of farm life.

He made a decision to make a success of the farming operation to honour his late father. With little agricultural know-how, he recognised the need to equip himself with agricultural knowledge and invested in his development by successfully completing agricultural courses in 2013 and 2014. This laid the foundation for his farming endeavours.

It is this dedication to succeed that led to his nomination for the 2024 New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year. His compassion, humility and gratitude is something that impressed his Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) mentor. Jacques Roux, regional development manager in the Free State, who nominated him for the competition, said Ranko’s commitment is impressive but his gratefulness is something everyone can learn from.

Upon receiving his prize – a brand new John Deere 5075E tractor – he invited everyone who had contributed to his farming journey, regardless of when or how much time they invested, to join in the celebration. ‘He told his guests that the victory wasn’t his alone but the whole area’s. He also generously shared his prize money with his farmworkers. These actions have earned him deep respect and admiration within the community,’ Jacques shared.

In an interview about his winning farmer for the December issue of Pula Imvula, Jacques said ‘This farmer built up the farm from scratch. He started farming with nothing and received nothing for free. He bought his equipment through PALS (Partners in Agri Land Solutions). Everything he owns, is through his own hard work and determination – and that deserves to be recognised.’

Ranko's commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Apart from the abovementioned award, he was inducted into Grain SA's 250 Ton Club in 2018, and later became part of the 500 Ton Club. In 2019 he was also a runner-up in the National Sugar Beans Award.

HELP ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
Apart from hard work and passion, Ranko credits everyone in his life for his success. ‘My parents did what they could, and I find myself where I am because of them. My siblings, mentors and funders and, importantly, my workers. He also mentioned that he could not have fulfilled this ambition of his without his wife’s support.

He joined Grain SA in 2013 and became an active participant in the Farmer Development Programme in 2016. Mentorship has played a significant role in his development with Johan Kriel (a previous regional manager in the Free State) and Jacques Roux both contributing to his growth. ‘They were both good mentors who taught me how to plan before planting and how to monitor my plants as they grow. They helped me to manage and handle my finances. I can now do things on my own.’

Because of the input and support Ranko has received from the PGP team and others, he is committed to farming successfully. ‘If people invest their time and advice, you repay them by doing a good job.’ This is why he is a hands-on farmer who checks on his growing crops to ensure that there aren’t weeds or pests destroying his crop.

Learning new agricultural practices and discovering advanced technology in the sector remain important to him. He makes time to attend courses and find out more about the latest technology. Ranko believes a lack of knowledge is one of the biggest obstacles amongst developing farmers. ‘I wish that all developing farmers would participate in the programmes and courses that are offered, so that they can get more information and knowledge on how to operate their farming enterprises and grow their businesses successfully.’

He is driven by his passion and dedication and has truly transformed his farm into a shining example of what can be achieved through devotion and hard work. ‘I became a farmer to honour my father as he was a passionate farmer. Now I have developed a passion for farming as well,’ he says. Seeing the progress he has made and being able to help others through job creation motivates him to keep on going, even though there are struggles and stumbling blocks on his path. Ranko hopes his two sons, who are both developing a keen interest in agriculture, will share their father and grandfather’s passion.

To the 2024 New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year passion and planning are key to succeed in the agricultural industry. ‘You must love what you are doing, have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and be committed to reaching the outcome by working hard. As the American actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, once said: Success is a ladder that cannot be climbed with your hands in your pockets.

Publication: March 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula

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