Farming profitably on leased land

Richard Mashinini runs a flourishing commercial farm in the Free State. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about his education and the people who helped him succeed, and the uncertainty of farming on rented land.

- Annelie Coleman

Richard Mashinini is a businessman through and through. He believes in adding value to every part of his farming concern. For him, this is particularly important as he farms on 460ha of leased land.

Mashinini runs a mixed farming concern in the Kaallaagte area between Bethlehem and Lindley in the Free State, where he produces maize, dry beans and sunflower. In addition, his business includes a beef cattle and sheep concern, and he produces chickens. He also tenders for potato producers in the area, and facilitates the creation of thousands of jobs every year.

“Farming is an exacting business that calls for innovation and thinking outside the box, especially for a producer on leased land. Although I would have preferred to own the land I farm on, I don’t consider the fact that I farm on leased land an excuse not to make the best of the opportunities the agriculture sector affords me,” he says.

TOP GENETICS

Mashinini started farming in 2012 with 12 head of cattle, and now owns a commercial herd of 100 Simbra-type cattle. In order to expand the herd’s genetic base, he recently introduced a grey Brahman bull acquired from Brandwater Stud, a well-known eastern Free State Brahman breeder. According to him, he wanted to add Brahman genetics for the breed’s accelerated growth, adaptability and hardiness.

Mashinini’s weaners are highly sought after, and he recently realised a price of R9 700 for a seven-month-old weaner weighing 280kg.