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June 2024
After completing his school career, Kopano Lentswetshipi (35) joined his father, Ezekiel, on the farm in North West. Kopano has great admiration for Ezekiel, who introduced him to farming when he was just a young boy. ‘He taught me the basics of farming as I worked alongside him on the farm.’
The father-and-son son duo has been working side by side since 2009, sharing responsibilities as well as all the ups and downs each new season brings. Kopano loves working with his father and says being part of this family business makes him extremely happy. He trusts that both his sons will develop a keen interest in farming, as they accompany their father and grandfather on the farm.
To achieve his long-term goal of becoming a commercial farmer, he is trying to gain as much knowledge as possible about agriculture. ‘You will never know everything, but when you learn something, you must put it into practice – otherwise the knowledge is wasted.’
This season has been a particularly difficult one, as North West was severely impacted by the drought and heatwaves. Although the Lentswetshipi team harvested 5 t/ha of maize last season, Kopano expects a yield of no more than about 1,5 t/ha this season. He doubts whether they will come near the previous sunflower yield of 1,1 t/ha.
The Farmer Development Programme has played a huge role in Kopano’s development as a farmer. Through study group sessions, courses and training he has gained a wealth of knowledge that has been employed to improve his production.
‘Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) has helped us largely to improve the standard of our crops. We have learned the importance of doing things properly.’
WHO HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR SUCCESS?
Apart from my father and the Farmer Development Team, the 2018 New Era Commercial Famer of the Year, Vuyani Lolwane, played a huge role in my farming career. He used to tell me that I should not try to farm alone but must take hands with my father. It was very good advice. Vuyani also encouraged me to join Grain SA. I am sad that he passed away in 2022 and could not see me grow as a farmer.
HAS THIS CHALLENGING SEASON AFFECTED YOUR PASSION FOR FARMING?
No, not at all – it is part of being a farmer. The drought and heat have been very difficult, and now it looks as if we must fight Sclerotinia in our sunflower crops. Challenges help one to make plans and to develop.
DO YOU AGREE THAT WE NEED MORE YOUNG FARMERS?
Yes, definitely! When I became a farmer, very few young people in the area were interested in farming, but I can see a change in their attitude. Farming is hard work, but it makes a difference. Putting food on the table – whether it is just for your family or village, or contributing to food security in South Africa – is essential. The young people are beginning to see that farming can change lives.
KOPANO’S 3 TOP TIPS
Farm: Communal land in Weltevrede Village
Nearest town: Lichtenburg
Region: North West
Size: Plants on 530 ha
Type of farming operation: Mixed – crops (maize and sunflower) and livestock (cattle, sheep and goats)
PGP'S CONTRIBUTION
Training courses completed:
Has completed several courses including:
A mentor’s view:
Du Toit van der Westhuizen, regional development manager in North West, has been mentoring Kopano since 2019 and says that he always listens to the advice and guidelines he offers. ‘He is keen to improve as a farmer and rather than making a mistake, he asks if he is unsure of something. Kopano tries his very best to apply what he learned. He works conservatively with money and will plan carefully before buying something.’
Publication: June 2024
Section: Pula/Imvula
