Building A Farm Through Diversity And Training

Mavis and Pienaar Mtlokwa farm on Java between Kestell and Harrismith.

- Izak Hofmeyr

They run a dairy, beef cattle and egg production operation. They also cultivate their own maize on the 463ha farm.

Pienaar’s father, Jan, bought Java in 1989, and father and son managed the farm together until Jan passed away in 2013. “It was my father-in-law who taught us most of what we know about farming,” says Mavis, who joined the business in 1996 when she married Pienaar. “When he passed away it was not only a big shock, but also a tremendous loss.”

The couple inherited Jan’s debt – a sizeable R240 000 – which had to be paid immediately. Although losing the farm was a real possibility, they decided to do everything in their power to prevent that from happening. The Mtlokwas sold all the livestock, except for twelve dairy cows, which Pienaar kept milking. They leased Java for three years and settled the debt.

Mavis also went back to teaching at a local school. They were able to survive on her teacher’s salary while they gradually rebuilt their dairy herd.

Building strong partnerships

“In 2016 we were able to start farming full time again. Milk SA had been supporting us since 2014 and played a significant role. For instance, they facilitated the hand-over often dairy cows, which made it possible for me to return to farming full time. They also empowered us through training courses,” says Mavis.

“I also attended farmers’ days and training courses hosted by Sernick. This resulted in a deal with Sernick in 2019. The company placed 35 cows and their calves, along with a bull, with us. The agreement was that we must supply them with 14 weaner calves each year. We now have 19 heifers that will be mated next year, and we will hopefully be able to match this year’s 100% conception rate.”