NW Agri Young Farmer of the Year
The title of Agri NW Young Farmer of the Year 2024 was awarded to Kobus Beyers during the organisation’s Young Farmers Congress, which was held in Lichtenburg in April this year.
Along with brother Nelius, Kobus (39) is a co-director of Al Cor Boedery, which operates on the farm Doornpan in the Wolmaransstad district of North West Province.
The brothers inherited the business in 2017 and have expanded operations since then. They have equal shares and responsibilities in the business, which produces maize (55.5%), soya (22%), sunflowers (15%), Brangus weaners and Limousin bulls (6.5%), and Dorper sheep (1%).
The Young Farmer of the Year title was awarded after an independent panel of judges and agricultural experts visited all the finalists’ farms in March. As reported by NWK Arena, a strong point in Kobus’ favour was the way his crops were able to withstand the prevailing drought, thanks to a planting system that alternates between maize, soya, and sunflowers. This helps to spread the risk, especially given the fact that sudden downpours and hailstorms often occur without warning during drought conditions.
Planting at Al Cor Boerdery is preceded by thorough soil analysis. A no-till regime applies to clay soil, while compacted soil is ploughed on the surface. Sandy soil is treated more traditionally with deep ploughing, hoeing, and fertiliser application.
Kobus takes soil chemistry and PH testing seriously and accordingly maintains good relations with technical experts and agencies.
Building on tradition
Growing up in a farming family, Kobus followed in his father and grandpa’s footsteps. In an interview with RSG Landbou, he recalls attending auctions with his father as a boy and naturally developing a passion for farming.
After school, Kobus earned a diploma in animal production from Pretoria Technikon. However, he’s much more focused on crop production today. According to Kobus, this came about after his father, uncle, and grandfather divided the farm up so that the brothers could also have their own share of the responsibilities. As a result, Kobus had to get much more involved in crops. This has entailed tackling many unique challenges but has also brought a great deal of satisfaction.
Kobus acknowledges that in order to remain sustainable and profitable while preserving the land for future generations, it’s necessary to implement conservation farming principles. Technology is also important, with drones and security cameras now being integral to operations. That said, the leadership principles that stood previous generations in good stead still apply.
Behind Kobus stands a dedicated and supportive team. It’s much easier to stand up in the morning when you know they have your back.
Family and community
Family is one of this young farmer’s biggest motivations. His wife Stefanie works as a teacher in a primary school near Bothaville, and he considers her his biggest supporter and friend. Together they have three very active young sons, and it’s great for him to see them develop with their own personalities and develop their own passion for farming.
Community is very close to Kobus’ heart, and he contributes in various ways. In the local farming community, he’s very involved with camera systems and Farm Watch, which benefits everyone concerned. He’s also involved in Grain SA and actively participates in a research group, which is a a great source of useful and practical information.
Kobus also does volunteer work for SAVF Ons Eie Makwassie, a local retirement community, and serves on the management body of Humansvlakte Primary. As he humbly says, if you can do your bit for others, you simply must.
