Good news for farmers in the Middelburg area is that JWL Landbou, a leading distributor of agricultural equipment, opened their brand-new trading branch in Middelburg in February 2025. This expansion is an important milestone in the company’s quest to improve serving farmers across the region with world-class equipment and service.

The new branch offers an extensive range of products, the full JWL product range, including AGCO’s popular Massey Ferguson and Fendt tractors, and equipment known for its efficiency, reliability and advanced technology. With the opening of the new branch, JWL is strengthening its presence not only in the region, but also in the agricultural sector, bringing quality solutions even closer to local farmers.

A milestone in JWL’s history

Werner Nel, Managing Director of JWL Landbou, sees the opening of the Middelburg branch as a milestone in the company’s history. He says: “Massey Ferguson has been absent from the Middelburg area for some time, and we have been serving the area from our Ermelo branch. But one cannot develop the full potential of this environment if one has not established a branch here locally. We therefore thought it would be beneficial to move closer to the farmers and open a full-fledged branch here.”

Werner says that they already have a strong and established customer base in this area, and that their vision is to expand and build on it to offer better service to farmers by being closer to them.

What do the farmers say?

Charles Griffiths, farmer for the Belfast district, says that they run a mixed farming operation which includes the cultivation of maize, soya beans and a commercial cattle division.

“We are very excited about the opening of JWL’s new branch here in Middelburg. The opening of this branch means a lot to us, as the nearest JWL branch was in Ermelo, which is a bit far from us. The new branch is much more central for us to do business, as 80% of my business is in Middelburg.”

Charles says that he initially started small with his tractor range in 2012. “I was looking for a no-till planter, where I then came across Werner from JWL, and from there we never looked back. The planter introduced me to Massey as well and made me stay with Massey.”

Charles says the after-sales service at JWL is incredible: “That is why I have continued to stay with JWL since 2012.”

Charles tells us more about his range of Massey tractors on the farm: “We have a variety of Massey tractors and equipment – from the MF200, which pulls a feed mixer and a mower, to the MF4700 series that does smaller work on the farm, and the MF5400 series with which we pull a trailed sprayer. We also have two MF6700 series tractors, one with a Massey Ferguson 4121 front end loader on it, and I have to confirm it myself: my TLB couldn’t pick up the load onto my fertiliser truck, and the Massey front end loader picks up the load with ease!

“Then we also have two MF7700 series tractors, an MF7720 which is quite old. I bought the tractor from JWL Agriculture about seven years ago, and is still going strong!

We also have an MF7724 that we use to spread fertiliser on the row crops. And then I also have my flagship tractor, the MF8737S, with which we do all the planting on the farm. A very nice tractor! All the Massey tractors on my farm are very operator friendly, especially the advanced tractors. There is a lot of technology in the tractors, but once you understand him, you cannot live without it. Convenience, with a nice, comfortable layout, everything close to you, where you need it.”

Local farmers and interested parties were warmly welcomed to view the new branch and get to know the team ready to meet their agricultural needs first-hand.

Charles says that the Global series of tractors are nice tractors for the older generation of employees on the farm. “It is a nice and easy tractor to work with.” Charles also has a Massey Ferguson 9330 sprayer that works very well, and an older Challenger combine that works diligently, without any problems.

What stands out most to Charles about Massey’s tractors is their fuel consumption. “I have used other brands, and Massey’s fuel consumption is great. They get kilowatts on the ground, and that is what I like!” He also highlights that the MF 8700’s suspension system is fantastic, and that the driving comfort of the tractor is excellent.

Charles says that over the years, several farmers have come to him and asked about the Massey tractors and equipment, especially the 8700 series. “They also came to test drive the tractor on my farm, and my neighbour, uncle Frik Prinsloo, has bought one and there is another one on the way. I can recommend Massey to any farmer with the greatest peace of mind.

“It would be ideal if you can get everything at JWL in Middelburg – a one-stop-shop; from a lawnmower to earth moving machines, your spare parts, and more. It’s ideal to stop at one place and be able to get everything you need at one place and have one mechanic working with you. May this branch grow there and just go from strength to strength,” Charles concludes.

The JWL Agriculture team at the new Middelburg branch.

Nico van Eeden, farmer of Middelburg district, says: “We are here today at JWL’s branch opening to see what they can offer us, and how this equipment can take our farming forward. We are 30 km from Middelburg, so this branch will benefit our farming in terms of service and the availability of parts when we need it.”

Nico tells us that since 2023 they doing business with JWL. They have a Fendt 720 tractor which is mainly used for spreading on the farm. Nicholas states that the Fendt tractor’s fuel consumption, convenience and user-friendliness stand out for him. “The faster and more convenient you can work, the more time you save at the end of the day,” he opined.

Nico says the opening day of the branch was very informative, and to be able to have all role players, JWL and AGCO’s management, at one place, to ask questions and to learn more about the technology and products from the experts who were here, was a valuable experience.

Father and son, Izak and Herman De Villiers of De Ville Boerdery between Middelburg and Stofberg, also attended the branch opening.

They produce mixed crops, mainly maize and soya beans, with a livestock section which includes cattle, sheep and pigs.

Izak tells us that they have recently purchased a new Massey Ferguson 8737S tractor for planting, with which they are very happy and satisfied, as well as with Werner’s after-sales service and his team at JWL.

“We are currently in the market for a new combine, and that is also why we attended the branch opening; to learn more learn about the Massey combines.”

Izak believes that the new branch in Middelburg speaks of professionalism and skilled staff. “The branch is neatly and professionally laid out, and all the staff members are well trained. Most important for us is also that it is closer to us. Tractors do not break in the off season; they give problems in peak time, so the closer we have technicians to us, the better it is for us.

Charles Griffiths, farmer of the Belfast district, with Werner Nel, Managing Director of JWL Agriculture.

“Since we now have after-sales service in Middelburg, it makes more sense for us to keep everything at one brand. Our plan going forward is move all our products over to Massey. We have a MF8737S, and when our tractors need to be replaced we shall most likely consider more Massey tractors which will meet our needs – which I believe there will be,” Izak says confidently.

Herman adds: “The branch opening here in Middelburg is a big plus point for us, not only in terms of the availability of spare parts, but reduced downtime as well, which will benefit our farming operation tremendously.”

“We hope and trust that Massey and the new JWL branch will continue and remain sustainable with the current offering, so that we can continue with one brand, and not need to change every now and then or replace what we have. Werner from JWL Landbou is a phenomenal person. You can call him at all times, whether it may be day or night. He will always go out of his way to help and make a plan for you and that is why we choose JWL Agriculture and their product range,” Izak concludes.

AGCO’s commitment to South African Farmers Dominik Reus, Managing Director of AGCO Africa, says that the expansion of the new JWL branch in Middelburg means a lot to AGCO, as it is a large agricultural area, and one in which AGCO, Massey Ferguson and Fendt have not yet had such a big impact.

He tells that for AGCO and JWL, this is a major milestone, especially because they used to assist farmers in this area all the way from Ermelo, which is quite far away. “The feedback we received today from the farmers is very positive.

The farmers are happy with the opening as they now have a branch closer to them, and that is what we as AGCO are driving and want to achieve. We are committed to meet the needs of our farmers, understand their challenges, and work closely to help them solve these problems,” Dominik says.

Feel free to stop by JWL Landbou in Middelburg, at 6 Mboni Street. Werner Nel and his friendly team are ready to welcome you!

For more information, visit JWL Middelburg’s website at https://jwlmiddelburg.co.za/ or contact Sias Humphries at (+27)83-630-5560 or send an e-mail to sias@jwl.co.za.