‘Farming For Profits Without Social Responsibility Is Foolish'

Being named the 2018 Agri SA/Toyota Young Farmer of the Year is wonderful recognition, says North West potato producer JP van den Berg, However, simply being able to farm and contribute to food security is a daily highlight. He adds that his hardworking staff are pivotal to his farming success, and he devotes much energy to caring for their welfare. Annelie Coleman reports.

- Annelie Coleman

For JP van den Berg and his wife, Dr Linné van den Berg, farming involves much more than turning a healthy profit. They find lasting satisfaction in the human connections they make daily with employees, neighbours, suppliers, buyers and others.

The Van den Bergs also believe that their farm, 180km north of Vryburg in North West, should balance profit-making with social responsibility activities that benefit the local community.

“For me, one of the most satisfying aspects of this business is working with dedicated and motivated staff members every day,” says Van den Berg. “That’s something I’m very thankful for.”

Van den Berg (31) was recently named the 2018 Agri SA/Toyota Young Farmer of the Year. This is not the first recognition he has achieved as a farmer; he was South Africa’s top seed potato producer for three years: 2014, 2016 and 2017.

He began farming in 2009, the third generation to run the family farming business on Buttermere, close to the Molopo River. The farm is 2 633ha in area and the business leases an additional 3 500ha.

Before joining the business, he completed a BAgric Hons at the University of the Free State and worked for a potato farmer in Christiana to gain experience in potato production.

Van den Berg started with 12ha of seed potatoes under pivot irrigation and has since expanded production to include pivots covering 13ha, 20ha and 30ha. The average seed potato harvest is 55t/ha. The business includes a Brahman stud and a weaner production concern.

MAXIMUM VS OPTIMUM PRODUCTION