Kobela Mokgohloa, owner of Korema Farm in Winterveldt, runs a successful, family-orientated farming business, selling cucumbers to high-end markets.

That’s not all, Mokgohloa enjoys farming with Limousin-cattle, a cow breed that originated from France. With his family by his side, Mokgohloa is not afraid to try out unconventional farming methods such as hydroponics, to grow his cucumbers. He welcomed Angie Khumalo, host of new African Farming television show to his farm and gave her some valuable tips to share with emerging farmers.

Khumalo talked to leading experts in the agricultural sector like Marc Davids, John Deere Dealer Representative, during the studio interview. She wanted to know from Davids what is a good and reliable John Deere tractor that a farmer such as Mokgohloa can invest in, which also will not cost him an arm and a leg.

Davids said the John Deere 5-Series tractors are good entry-level tractors, and as reliable as they come.

“The farmer can buy one of these tractors that has the horsepower to suit his needs. It will come in handy as the tractor is so versatile. It can be used for transportation of goods and can even pull a small plough.

“We also offer dealer network support and our response is efficient and quick.”

According to Tractor Junction, a website that reviews tractors, the John Deere 5050D is one of the best in class tractors offered by the company. The John Deere 5050D is a cost-effective option as it has low fuel consumption, and can be bought with accessories like ballast weight, canopy, drawbar and hitch.

The website states: “John Deere 5050D is an unbeatable model that takes a unique place in a farmer’s heart due to its excellent performance and power. The John Deere 5050D is the best tractor model in the 50 Hp category.”

The tractor is fitted with a top-class instrument panel and a variable two-wheel drive front axle with the option of a durable mechanical front-wheel drive which supports operations on the farm that lasts for longer periods.

“The 5050D is fuel efficient, reduces noise and increases engine life, these factors not only make it more reliable but also add to the overall efficiency,” the review reads.

It further has hydrostatic power steering, an adjustable seat and tiltable steering column, oil-immersed disc brakes and a 60-litre fuel tank, as well as 1 600 kg hydraulic lifting capacity.

For information: Contact your nearest John Deere dealer, or John Deere’s office at 011 437 2600. Visit the website, www.deere.com/sub-saharan/en.