During NAMPO Cape, ProAgri editor Bianca Henning had the opportunity to speak with the Valley Irrigation team about how their offerings help farmers achieve better harvests with lower energy consumption.

Roger Mettlerkamp (General Manager at Valley Irrigation – part of the Valmont Group), Michael Gouws (Area Manager for South and Southern Africa) and Adam Olivier (Technical Product Sales Specialist for the Middle East and Africa regions) shared their insights on quality components, technology-driven systems, irrigation features and what Valley does differently.

A history of quality

Valley Irrigation has come a long way. As Roger Mettlerkamp explains, the company has been involved in the irrigation sector for around 80 years. Their early pivots were already in use in South Africa in the 1970s. This rich history lays the foundation for their reputation.

What makes Valley stand out, according to Roger, is firstly the use of the best quality parts and components. Every part is designed to be durable in local conditions that include heat, wind, wear and tear and varying soil conditions. Secondly, he calls their excellent after-sales service: a network of dealers and branches that spans the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Africa, so that parts and service are quickly available. This means that equipment downtime can be kept to a minimum. Your pivot works from day one and continues to work for many years because of the support the company offers to farmers.

The Valley team at NAMPO Cape 2025. From left: Adam Olivier – Technical Product Sales Specialist for Middle East and Africa regions, Cobus Vermaak – Regional Sales Manager, Roger Metelerkamp – General Manager, Laila Moses – Sales and Marketing Specialist, Micheal Gouws – Regional Sales Manager and Kalle Autto – Regional Vice President MEA.

Technology and efficiency

Michael Gouws highlights that many farmers struggle with difficult climate and water challenges, and Valley provides solutions through design that provides optimal control over water and energy use. Service and maintenance costs are kept to a minimum through well-thought-out designs. Farmers have access to Valley experts and parts to address service issues quickly. With the current price of fuel, electricity and water, every reduction in energy and water consumption means big savings.

Furthermore, Valley’s technology offering is not just “machine and pipe”, but a complete system of IoT devices and data-driven management, explains Adam Olivier. Sensors on the machines, monitoring via smart panels or remote control and so on, make it possible for the farmer to control exactly when and how much water is applied. Valley also uses the latest technology and artificial intelligence to work out scientifically based schedules for your pivot to ensure that water and energy losses are minimised. Valley Scheduling™, for example, is one such a tool that is already used worldwide.

Savings and benefits for farmers

A few important benefits for farmers clearly emerge from the interview:

  • Precision in water use: Through sensors, automation and data-driven schedules, over-irrigation can be avoided. Valleys’ Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) allows farmers to apply water differently to different parts of a field – based on soil type, slope, past yield data and so on. This helps to limit water waste and also supports optimal crop growth.
  • Energy savings / reduced costs: Fewer pumping and pumping hours, better control over electric or fuel-powered equipment, less unnecessary work – this means lower operating costs. Farmers also get support with maintenance and spare parts, which means less downtime and fewer unexpected expenses.
  • Stability and reliability: Because Valley has been involved in Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa for many years, and their structures and components are designed to be robust in our climate, farmers get equipment that lasts. Roger’s emphasis on quality components combines with Valley’s global experience (Valmont Group) and local knowledge.
  • Complete solution approach: Not just machines – technology, support, service network, training and knowledge. Adam’s explanation shows that farmers don’t have to struggle with separate sensors or systems that aren’t well integrated; Valley strives to bring everything into one system wherever possible.
  • Improved yield and crop quality: Through regular, appropriate irrigation, without stress or water shortages, plants can better reach their growth potential. When your irrigation is done at the right time, with the right amount, there is less risk of diseases related to over-wet soils or water stress.

What Valley says at NAMPO

While the interview did not reveal all model numbers or increases in technical specifications, three key messages are clear from NAMPO Cape:

  • Valley’s commitment to quality (parts, structures, manufacturing) remains core – these farmers can expect their equipment to last, even under difficult field conditions.
  • Technology is not ready for the future, it is the present – ​​IoT, data-based scheduling, sensors, remote control. Farmers who switch get immediate benefits.
  • Service is important – Valley ensures not only equipment, but support, training, access to parts, and a network of branches and dealers that spans all Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Africa

For farmers who want to grow, who want to transition to more sustainable and cost-effective operations, Valley Irrigation offers a set of solutions that not only provide technology and irrigation, but also reliability, stability and support.

Whether your challenge is managing water shortages, limiting electricity and fuel costs, improving crop quality, or simply having less manual labour — Valley’s offering is aimed at closing those gaps.

As Michael said: “We want to give farmers not just equipment, but control.” And execution readiness, support, quality parts and technology make it possible for that control to truly be in the hands of the farmer.

Visit Valley Irrigation’s website at https://www.valleyirrigation.com/, send an email to laila.moses@valmont.com or call 079-505-9174 for more details.