When a farmer decides to invest in technology, it is not just a fad – it is a strategic move for sustainability and growth. Tian Kruger Boerdery (TKB), located in the heart of the Groblersdal district, is a prime example of how forward-thinking decision-making not only increases production, but also reduces risk.

TKB is a dynamic, diversified farm that is making its mark throughout the value chain. According to JP Viljoen, one of the managers, it is precisely this diversification that sets TKB apart from many other farms.

The farm consists of several divisions that complement and reinforce each other:

  • A thriving citrus and potato farming operation in which they strive to control the entire process from A to Z themselves – right up to export;
  • A livestock component that includes a commercial feedlot and the renowned TKB Bonsmara stud; and
  • A grain division that mainly grows maize and cotton.

This diversity not only provides stability in unpredictable agricultural years, but also enables the team to mitigate the risk of natural influences and ensure sustainability.

Control over time, moisture and profit: The value of own grain storage

“When you depend on a third party for grain storage, you lose control over your decision-making,” says JP.

“We realised that without our own storage and drying facility, we could not really make strategic decisions about our grain. You are at the mercy of availability, the weather, and the market – and often you are forced into a corner to make decisions when it does not suit you.”

To address this challenge, Tian Kruger Boerdery decided to build a silo and dryer on the farm, so they could decide when and how the grain was harvested, dried, and stored. “With our own facilities, we no longer have to wait for the right moisture content or fear that we would run out of time. Now we can harvest when it suits us and store the grain until the market is ready – without taking on someone else’s risks or timelines.”

This shifts the power of the market back into the hands of the farmer, and the benefits that previously went to the middleman now stay on the farm.

Why AGI? A decision built on experience and trust

In a time when there is an abundance of information available, it can, ironically, be difficult to make the right decisions. “We live in an era where you can look up anything, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get the right answer,” explains JP.

“We realised that the best advice does not come from the internet, but from farmers who have been through the process themselves.”

TKB deliberately went to visit fellow farmers who had already set up silo plants and dryers on their farms, and asked a series of practical questions:

  • How was the service with the purchase?
  • How was the service during construction?
  • How was the maintenance after construction?
  • How is the after-sales service?

While it was easier to gather information about silos, dryers presented a bigger challenge — few people could offer first-hand advice. “Based on honest feedback from other farmers about what works and what doesn’t, we confidently decided to work with AGI. The solution we have on the farm today is a direct result of that input and our search for a long-term partner.”

The facility consists of a 2 500 tonne AGI silo that provides ample capacity for their grain storage needs. To ensure full control over moisture levels, an AGI dryer was installed that can dry at 10 tonnes per hour — from 24% to 14% — with a built-in refrigeration section for optimal quality control.

The handling equipment on the plant is capable of processing up to 100 tonnes of grain per hour, meaning there is no time wasted during the harvesting season.

An AGI MPI 120 cleaner further ensures that the grain going into the silo meets the highest standards of quality and market requirements.

“Each component has been selected with an eye to what we plant, the volume we handle and the independence we seek,” says JP.

Every farm’s needs are different, and Tian Kruger Boerdery clearly understood this when they planned their grain handling facility. Because their crops are mainly planted under pivot irrigation and irrigated from the water scheme, it is critical for them to get the fields cleared in time so that the next crops can be planted.

“In our case, the dryer was just as important as the silo,” says JP.

“We can now harvest when it suits us – not when the weather or the market forces us to.” Unlike many farms where storage is the primary focus, for TKB it was the conditioning of the grain that took priority.

AGI and Project Manager Dwight Botha worked closely with the team to design a layout that exactly met these requirements.

“They spent a lot of time getting the design right, and the end product is 100% in line with what we needed – exactly what we had in mind from the start.”

With the latest expansion of their storage infrastructure, including a new AGI silo and dryer, Tian Kruger Boerdery is setting a new standard for modern grain handling in South Africa.

Smart drying and smart storage: Automation takes the guesswork out of grain handling

Storing grain safely and profitably requires precision and control — especially if you want to detach yourself from market volatility. TKB has taken on this challenge with advanced technology from AGI, which includes temperature monitoring in both the silo and the dryer.

“There is always some risk when storing grain, especially in a volatile season like this year, which is why we chose a fully automated system that measures, monitors and controls for us,” says JP.

The system measures temperature at various points inside the silo and also monitors the outside climate. When conditions are right, the system automatically activates the fans and opens or closes ventilation openings, exactly as needed.

“We now know exactly what we are putting into the silo, and we know exactly what we are going to get out. This gives us confidence that the quality of the grain will remain stable until it leaves the farm.”

Excellent construction, on time and on budget – with the right team at the helm

The construction of the new grain handling plant is not only a success story, but also an example of how a well-planned project with the right partners can yield valuable results. The material for the plant was imported from Brazil and Italy, and the construction itself went smoothly — on time and on budget. JP has long and extensive engineering experience at various other companies.

“It is one of the best construction experiences we’ve ever had on the farm,” says JP.

The entire process, from foundation to completion, took less than six months. As with any construction project, there were challenges, but thanks to AGI’s dedicated involvement – ​​including hours and nights spent on the farm by their management team – every problem was resolved in a timely manner.

“The Project Manager, Dwight, with his specialist knowledge and practical experience, practically held the helm of the project. A project like this requires expertise. There were many things we could do ourselves, but just as many we couldn’t do without someone who knows how silos and dryers work. If it weren’t for AGI’s dedication, input, late-night work and hours, the project would not have turned out as successfully as it has,” says JP.

The benefits speak for themselves: harvesting can be done earlier with fewer combines, the fields and pivots are available for replanting earlier, and the quality of grain delivered to buyers is precise, measurable and consistent. For Jacques Verwey, also a Farm Manager at TKB, AGI’s practical approach stood out during the project.

“I am a practical person. I need to get the job done and the AGI silo and its construction fit in very well with the way we do things on the farm,” says Jacques.

At TKB, every decision is tested according to practice, performance and sustainability – and the decision to work with AGI passed this test with flying colours. “Our experience so far has been excellent,” says JP.

“The quality of the plant we have built is outstanding, and the after-sales service has exceeded our expectations.”

It is for this reason that they would not hesitate to recommend AGI to other farmers – not only for the technology, but for the support that comes with it.

For farmers considering taking their grain storage and handling to the next level, help is just a phone call away. Feel free to contact Dwight Botha at (+27)74-700-2738 for advice and solutions that work, on the farm and in practice.