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July 2024
Jacob Tshabalala (34) believes his success as a farmer is built on three cornerstones – passion, good planning and learning through engagement with others. This young farmer was one the finalists in the 2023 PGP/Absa/John Deere Financial New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year category.
The people who played the biggest role in his development as a farmer are his dad, David Tshabalala, a fellow farmer, Vuyani Lolwane, and the Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) team. Jacob’s father ignited a passion for farming in his son. Although David’s role on the farm has decreased, he still lends a helping hand tending to the livestock and is there when his son needs advice.
Vuyani Lolwane (2018 PGP/Absa/John Deere Financial New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year) saw that Jacob was doing a good job but told him that he could do much better if he joined Grain SA. ‘He proved to be right,’ says Jacob of his friend and mentor, who sadly passed away due to Covid-19 complications in 2022. ‘Vuyani was a true inspiration and I know he would have been very proud of me.’
Jacob has immense appreciation for the PGP team, who has played a significant role in his success as a farmer, and he also benefits from his participation in NWK’s young farmers’ programme. His farming operation is slowly growing, and he dreams of owning his own land in the future.
Maize and sunflower are produced on communal land of Driehoek Village Trust. Jacob started planting a mere 15 ha in 2013 and this year he planted 170 ha – 60 ha maize and 110 ha of sunflower. He realised a yield of 6 t/ha last season, which helped to take care of his production loan and made it possible for him to plant this year.
This season he planted later than usual, as North West waited long for the rain to fall. He also discovered that the soil was acidic and had to apply lime before he could plant. ‘Everything is looking good now. I did my part,’ he said.
Jacob uses his own equipment, except for the harvesting, which is done through contractors. He is also putting away money with NWK and has bought shares to help him with securities in the future. His wife, Lerato, is his right hand in the office and makes sure that all administration is up to date. Their young son is already showing a keen interest in farming and Jacob would love to have a third-generation Tshabalala farmer.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO SUCCEED AS A FARMER?
A farmer should be self-driven and keen to learn. I talk to many people who know more than me – neighbours, commercial farmers, representatives – because together we make a big engine that moves forward! It is also important to do the right thing at the right time, with the right product. People want to take shortcuts, but if your budget only allows for 50 ha, don’t try and plant 100 ha because you will fail. Rather plant 50 ha and produce excellent quality.
WHY IS FARMING A GREAT CAREER?
When you get up in the morning, you know you can do what you love. Nobody has to force me to go to work. I am proud to be a farmer. The worst thing for me is being on communal land, as there are no fences. I must pay people to guard my maize.
TIPS FROM A YOUNG FARMER
FARM FACTSFarm: Communal land of Driehoek Village Trust
Nearest town: Lichtenburg
Region: North West
Size: 185 ha
Type of farming operation: Mixed – crops (maize and sunflower) and a Brahman herd
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, is very proud of Jacob. He says that since Jacob attended his first study group meeting in 2018, he has embraced every opportunity to learn and develop as a famer. ‘Jacob is always open to advice and works hard towards every goal. He is proud to be a farmer.
Publication: July 2024
Section: Pula/Imvula
