With custom-made Reinke pivot irrigation solutions at Van Staden Farming, a bright and successful future now lies ahead for this family farming operation.
Reinke has proven that the right pivot can not only save you money and time, but also help your farm flourish.
Van Staden Farming, a family tradition
Stephan van Staden farms together with his father and three brothers in the Brits area. He is the fourth generation on this vegetable farm along the Thabazimbi road.
Van Staden Farming mainly produces vegetables, citrus and table grapes. Although each of the Van Stadens has their own role on the farm, Stephan is responsible for chemical and fertilisation recommendations and calibrations.
Like other farms in the area, they form part of the Hartbeespoort Dam irrigation scheme. Water from the dam and surrounding catchment areas is distributed through canals and pumps to agricultural land in the region. The scheme makes intensive agriculture possible in a relatively dry area.
The farm’s challenges
Stephan explains that they have faced various challenges on the farm. Because they are fortunate enough to be part of the irrigation scheme, it’s extremely important for them to apply water accurately and correctly.
“We moved away from the conventional pipe system. A pivot was simply more cost-effective and less labour-intensive. Those figures no longer made sense. Pivots made things much easier for us,” he explains.
They had their first Reinke pivot installed in 2024 and started by growing onions under the pivot. They are currently producing sweetcorn under the same pivot.
Six months later, a second Reinke pivot was installed, under which they grow lettuce and cabbage.
“We tested some of the other competitors’ pivots, but when Reinke explained what they could offer, we decided to give them a chance. What they promised is exactly what we are getting,” says Stephan.
He explains that every farmer has unique needs and wants the pivot to fit in with the farm. Reinke ensured that the new pivots fit perfectly into the farm layout.
“We had to make a few adjustments, and we have previously worked with companies that could not accommodate us. Reinke built us a custom pivot that fits our fields perfectly and meets our needs.”
One of the challenges was that part of the fields is covered with nets where they grow peppers. Instead of a three-tower pivot, Reinke built a two-tower pivot that covers the same area but can move over the nets.
Van Staden Farming’s sweetcorn growing well under the Reinke pivot.
Reinke has the right plan
Mario Wolvaardt is part of the father-and-son team that handled the planning and installation of the Van Stadens’ pivots. He and his son Werner worked closely with the Van Stadens to adapt the pivots to their needs.
“Reinke and I go back a long way. I helped install more than 500 pivots for Reinke in Africa. After that, I settled in Brits. I have known these farmers for a long time, and I have knowledge of the Reinke products. That’s how Stephan and I started talking,” says Mario, Reinke’s agent in the greater Brits area.
The Van Stadens told Mario they were looking for someone who could deliver a complete service. They wanted to get rid of their old systems, and Mario’s more than 40 years of agricultural experience fitted perfectly.
“We discussed the functionality we could offer and their needs. Some of their biggest problems were labour and uneven water application with the old systems. We were not the first pivots on the farm, but with the expansion of the farming operation and new fields, we knew we could help.”
Mario and Werner determined whether the Van Stadens wanted to grow more than one crop under the pivots and what their exact water requirements were. With that information, they were able to design and install the new systems.
“The new systems enabled them to manage risk better, save costs and farm more effectively. Control of the pivots also improved, which meant they could immediately save on labour. The pivots placed them in a position to achieve higher yields per hectare while still saving water.”
Stephan van Staden of Van Staden Farming farms together with his father and three brothers.
The Reinke difference
Stephan clearly noticed the difference:
“We realised that our water consumption was drastically reduced right up to harvest time. There were fewer water losses compared to the old systems, and in terms of yields we can also see that a big difference has been made.”
Along with the new pivots, the Reinke CropX system was also installed on the farm. This system allows them to apply precise irrigation for each crop under the pivot.
“From the day we started with the pivot planning until today, Reinke has exceeded our expectations. We are very satisfied with what they do for us. We feel we can rely on them, they deliver what they promise. I would definitely recommend Reinke to my neighbour,” says Stephan.
Mario Wolvaardt is Reinke’s agent in the Brits area.
Why farmers choose Reinke
Reinke pivots are designed to take your farming forward, with lightweight yet durable steel and a good price, according to Mario.
“These pivots are unique. They are an excellent fit for vegetable farmers. Our irrigation packages are dynamic and work well. I think the biggest advantage is our experience and the fantastic service from Reinke’s technical and sales teams,” he explains.
Although Reinke is still new in the Brits area, Mario believes they are in the process of establishing themselves there. In the rest of the country and across Africa, they have already proven what their pivots can achieve.
“The main goal is to help farmers farm effectively. We can’t tell them how to farm, but we can offer support so they can get the most benefit from our products,” says Mario proudly.
If you are interested in learning more about Reinke’s pivots and what the team can offer you, visit their website at www.reinke.com
