Up close and personal with Gerswin Louw – African Farming

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

To make every opportunity one to remember and to give it your best shot.

Is there anything you would have done differently if you had the choice?

At this stage it’s difficult to say because I’ve achieved so much of what I dreamt about for so long. 

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

I am proud of having produced top quality wool for our market. 

Who has made the biggest contribution to your success so far?

My mentor, Schalk Viljoen, my family and the people I work with.

What is your relationship like with your neighbours and what role have they played in your business?

I have a great and open relationship with my neighbours. If any of us needs help we are all there for one another. 

Was it a struggle to secure financing? Do you have any advice for emerging farmers who need funding?

Make sure you have a good business plan and model. Make sure you have the right mentors and partners who can help you make the best decisions.

How important is the role of input suppliers in your business?

They play a big role in our company in making the right decision on the products you produce and on the right time to deliver it.

If you had the chance to offer the minister of agriculture some advice, what would it be?

Be there for your farmers and help them with financing so that we can grow the agriculture sector to a better place. Improve our roads that cause so many problems. And create more opportunities for our young farmers.