Farmers in Upington and surrounds gained practical insights into funding, financial management and mentorship at African Farming’s Finance for Farmers workshop.
By T’Keyah Pietersen
Farmers arrived at the civic centre in Upington for African Farming’s Finance for Farmers workshop with questions and uncertainty, and left with new knowledge, valuable contacts and greater confidence to grow their businesses.
Agricultural experts, bankers and experienced farmers guided delegates through the practical steps of starting, financing and sustaining a farming business. From understanding financial records to accessing funding and building strong support networks, the focus remained firmly on practical solutions.
From emerging to commercial farming
One of the day’s most inspiring speakers was Dirk Louw, who began his own journey as an emerging farmer and has since built a successful commercial farming business.
His message was that no farmer succeeds alone. Knowledge, mentorship and strong networks can make the difference between a business that survives and one that grows.
Louw credits much of his success to his mentor, André Smith, who also addressed the workshop.
Smith encouraged farmers to think beyond the land and focus instead on building resilient, profitable businesses.
It’s not about owning the biggest farm in the district, he told delegates. It’s about building a farming business that becomes stronger, more financially liquid and easier to pass on to the next generation every year.
Having moved from grape production into pecan farming, Smith also shared lessons on managing agricultural risk and reminded farmers to borrow wisely. Ask yourself whether you want to work for the bank or for yourself, he said.
Understanding the numbers
Financial management was another key theme of the workshop.
Napier de Kock of Absa explained that successful farming begins with understanding the numbers behind the business. He encouraged farmers to keep accurate financial records and understand their cash flow, and use that information to make better business decisions.
Representing Land Bank, Bertus Ryk introduced delegates to blended finance and explained how different funding models can support qualifying farming businesses.
Practical support for the future
For local resident Dioné Smith, the workshop provided much-needed clarity. She and her husband are first-generation farmers, and they had been uncertain about how to keep their farming business moving forward.
She left the workshop with a smile and a clearer sense of direction.
More than a series of presentations, the workshop became a place where farmers exchanged experiences, got answers to their questions and made valuable connections. The strongest lesson of the day was that successful farming requires knowledge and strong networks – not just land.
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