“The times in which farmers operate mean that we cannot remain in the same position, but must move forward. That is also why our theme for this year’s Farmers’ Day is innovate or stagnate,” says Johan Botha, Chief Executive Officer of Oranjeriviervoere (ORV), at their biennial ORV Sheep Farmers’ Day.
The day is all about giving back to their loyal clients: farmers. This year’s farmers’ day attracted more than 350 people.
Even the cold, rainy day in the Karoo could not keep farmers away.
Various expert speakers shared valuable insights during the event and engaged in discussions that are of crucial importance to the modern farmer.
“We are in the privileged position where we farm ourselves and can test our products in our own feedlot,” says Johan.
Family farming is important
It’s no coincidence that ORV is the product of four generations of passionate Karoo farmers. Kallie Schoeman from Schoeman Boerdery focused especially on family farming operations, because according to him, that is what makes farmers sustainable.
“The majority of farming operations are owned by families and it’s about legacy.
“Only 28% of farmers continue beyond the third generation. The third generation sometimes does not succeed because of inheritance issues. Our ancestors teach us to preserve our legacy,” says Kallie.
Farmers must decide where they see their farming operations in 10 years’ time. “You cannot innovate without being creative,” he says.
The role players within your family are also important, because everyone’s talents differ – and Kallie also considers the role of women in farming as very important.
Technology is important in livestock farming and the future
Grant Naudé, president of Merino SA, says traceability is non-negotiable.
“We rely on the export market. There’s room for improvement, because we farm the same way our grandfathers farmed 50 years ago; we must innovate with technology,” he says.
Merino SA is currently investigating genomics. “We want to make it compulsory at all auctions to move towards greater use of technology.”
PG Strauss, head of the VKB Group, says innovation starts with yourself.
“You must create brands that are accessible to the consumer.”
Financial pitfalls
“Sheep meat prices have increased, therefore it’s better to be more conservative when doing your cash flow planning,” says Dawie Maree, agricultural economist at FNB.
FNB adapts its products to each farmer’s circumstances. They are always excited about the future of farmers and agriculture.
What farmers say about ORV and the Farmers’ Day
Charl Saunderson from the Nooitgedacht Dorper Stud in Kenhardt says: “I always want to achieve the best lambing percentages possible and farm as excellently as I can. ORV shares the same values as I do with top-quality products.”
He uses their stud pellets, production lick and creep feed. “Oranjeriviervoere stands out because of the emphasis on detail. They have a high-quality factory with the latest technology. The product is right, the service is right, and they are our kind of people.”
Pieter van Zyl farms outside Prieska and has been using Oranjeriviervoere’s products his entire life. He uses finishing feed as well as energy and production licks.
“They are good people to work with and they offer good products.”
Namibian farmers are also drawn to the Farmers’ Day. Janry du Toit from Du Toit Dorpers in Namibia has been using ORV’s products for a decade.
“ORV has the ability to support you, handle criticism and return to you with improvements,” he says.
Contact Oranjeriviervoere at 053-353-1979 or info@orv.co.za for more information about their quality products.
