Up close and personal with Gopolang Tladinyane – African Farming

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER MOVE YOU HAVE MADE SO FAR?

Switching from engineering to farming. I have never regretted doing this.

YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS TO DATE?

Giving my sons the kind of encouragement that nudged them into the farming world. It makes the world of difference having them on board, and so enthusiastic about our business and the farming.

WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DO YOU HAVE WITH NEIGHBOURING FARMERS?

I have good relationships with my neighbours and I aim to keep it that way. Many farmers coming into the game, don’t realise that your neighbours are the people who can mean the difference between success and failure in your farming operation. If it weren’t for good neighbours who were happy to help me, and decent mentors, I certainly would not be where I am today.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER ASPIRANT FARMERS ON THE THRESHOLD OF A CAREER IN AGRICULTURE?

Don’t let the size of the land limit your options. If you need more land, you can always lease, and you can farm intensively rather than extensively. Farming beef on pastures allows me to carry more animals than I would otherwise be able to do on my 100ha and stay profitable. I would also say, get your kids involved and start teaching them about the rands and cents from a young age.