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November 2024
THE 38-YEAR-OLD DIEKETSENG MAHLELEHLELE WAS CHOSEN AS A 2024 FINALIST IN THE GRAIN SA POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL FARMER OF THE YEAR CATEGORY. THIS VIBRANT YOUNG FARMER ATTENDED HER FIRST GRAIN SA STUDY GROUP MEETING WITH HER FATHER IN 2015. THIS HAD SET THE WHEELS IN MOTION TO REALISING HER DREAM.
In 2019 Dieketseng jumped at an opportunity to farm independently when she applied for the farm Vrede in the Brandfort area. Vrede is now ‘home’, where she is already an established livestock farmer who is working hard to develop as a crop producer too. She believes that the steps to success are a willingness to learn and listen, to implement what you have learned and hard work.
Dieketseng is currently farming on medium-potential cash crop soil but is looking to lease high-potential soil to grow the crop side of her business. This year she planted 180 ha of sunflower for the first time. Unfortunately, the climatic conditions were not favourable this season, with severe drought conditions and high rainfall at the wrong time, but she is still expecting an average yield.
Although her first year as a crop farmer may not be a huge success, Dieketseng remains positive as she knows every stumbling block offers an opportunity to learn and grow. ‘In farming there are good years and bad years, but it cannot deter us from doing what we love.’
This is one of the attributes that led to her nomination for the Farmer of the Year competition. She was thrilled to be announced as one of the finalists after judging took place and is very excited (and emotional) about the recognition she has received. ‘It’s a dream come true and all thanks to the input of my two role models, my dad and Ntate Johan (Kriel).’
The well-being of her workers is very important to her, as well as improving the lives of less privileged girls. She has taken 15 young girls in Brandfort under her wing by paying their school fees and buying them school uniforms. They also receive food parcels on a regular basis. She is also paying one college student’s tuition fees.
However, she does not see any of these deeds as something extraordinary. ‘I am just being a human being making sure others aren’t left behind. People in privileged positions should take care of those less fortunate.’’
WHERE DID YOUR PASSION FOR FARMING ORIGINATE?
It developed as a young girl. My father was a big cattle farmer and over weekends and during school holidays I worked with him, gathering valuable agricultural skills. Whenever my father went away on business, he would put me in charge of the farm.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
I am passionate about the role of women in agriculture, so I want to become a leading female farmer who inspires young girls to farm. I am also determined to change how farmers are perceived. So many people associate farming with poverty, but farming is a noble profession, where hard work pays off and it can improve your life.
WHAT IS THE BEST AND WORST THING ABOUT FARMING?
The best thing is that I get to contribute to food security. There is nothing that I don’t like about farming – even dirt is good! Maybe the stress a farmer experiences because of circumstances out of our control – like weather and theft – is the less positive side of being a farmer.
THREE REASONS TO FARM:
Farm: Vrede
Nearest town: Brandfort
Region: Western Free State
Size: 475 ha
Type of farming operation: Mixed – plants sunflower and maize/livestock and owns Bonsmara cattle, Dormer Merino sheep and free-range chickens
PGP'S CONTRIBUTION
Training courses completed:
Has completed several courses including:
A mentor’s view:
Johan Kriel, one of Dieketseng's mentors, believes this young, enthusiastic farmer has the potential to develop into a commercial farmer because she is keen to learn. ‘She is like a sponge when it comes to learning – she absorbs knowledge.’ Johan says he has not seen this kind of passion in a young farmer in a long time. ‘With a degree in communication, she could have had a wonderful career, but she just wanted to farm and provide work for people in the area.’
Publication: November 2024
Section: Pula/Imvula
