'Agriculture Is a Journey, Not a Race'

Achmad Brinkhuis was named the Agricultural Writers SA's New Entrant for Farming in 2021. He spoke to Lindi Botha about his egg and vegetable operation, and the challenges and opportunities facing his business.

- Text and photos by Lindi Botha

In 2013, Achmad Brinkhuis, owner of Chamomile Farming Enterprises, found himself at dinner with foreign chicken farmers at the International Egg Commission's conference in Cape Town. One guest suggested that they all introduce themselves and state how many laying hens they had.

Half a million. One million. One-and-a-half million, the farmers said, one after the other.

Brinkhuis cringed. 35 000, he said.

A 'millionaire' smiled at him and said, Oh yes, we all started there, too.

Feeling a bit more at ease, Brinkhuis continued the evening, absorbing what he could from these industry veterans. Learning from every source possible and grabbing opportunities whenever they present themselves, he is working his way towards the millionaire's club, after starting with just five chickens 17 years ago.

FAST FACTS

Achmad Brinkhuis started his operation with five layer hens 17 years ago, and today farms 37 000 chickens.

Chamomile Farming Enterprises is a family affair, with Brinkhuis, his wife and sons all involved in the operation.

Brinkhuis maintains that his greatest challenge is theft.

SMALL BEGINNINGS

Brinkhuis, his wife Wadea, and their sons Nabeel and Tawfeeq run Chamomile in Philippi in the Western Cape. They produce nearly one million eggs a month from 37 000 hens, in addition to a variety of vegetables. The majority of all this produce is delivered to Freshmark.