Mooi River farmer crowned best in KZN

A FORMER Maritzburg College pupil has won the 2024 KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year award, saying that to be recognised by his peers was “truly humbling”.

Guy English from Mooi River impressed the judges with his meticulous farm management and maintenance as well as his commitment to biosecurity practices.

He said the win was an incredible honour and a deeply rewarding milestone which encouraged him to “push forward.”

“Competitions like this are invaluable for young farmers. They provide a platform for us to showcase our innovative approaches, especially in leveraging new technologies and modern techniques,” he said.

“It’s also an opportunity to bridge the gap between generations, showing that younger farmers are committed to working hard, adapting and succeeding, just as the older generations before us.”

The competition is open to all farmers under the age of 40.

The Beefmaster cattle and maize farmer expanded his herd by 33% within the last five years and converted his commercial herd into a registered stud herd, thereby increasing his farm’s value and establishing himself as one of the KZN’s leading beef breeders.

English said after school he enrolled for a Bachelor of Agriculture degree which he completed in 2010.

He said in the same year the farm where he grew up in Umkomaas was subject to a land claim and they moved to Mooi River where the family acquired a new farm.

“I owe much of my success to my parents, who not only supported me, but also gave me the freedom to develop my own farming approach. Their trust allowed me to experiment and grow, which has been key to building a thriving operation. Now I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can focus on improving and innovating the opportunities we have,” said English.

The competition judges said English understood the critical role of sustainable agriculture and placed strong emphasis on soil health. He also used chicken litter to naturally fertilise his pastures and maize lands, which reduced dependence on chemical fertilisers. They said his dedication to innovation was evident in his trials with cover crops to prevent soil erosion, and his annual testing of maize cultivars to optimise yields and resilience.

English uses a mix of traditional and modern farming methods, harnessing the power of modern technology, social media and traditional farming expertise because he believes in the importance of generational knowledge and experience.

“I believe it’s crucial to listen to the older generation and learn from their years of experience. Farming relies heavily on experience, trial and error, and learning from mistakes,” said English.

According to English, farming is a tough industry and it’s never too early to start because the earlier you begin, the more time you have to learn from your experience and mistakes.

“It demands hard work, resilience and innovation, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Stay informed about modern technologies, but also ensure you’re not compromising the long-term sustainability of your farm. Above all, stay passionate. If you love what you do, even the toughest days will feel like progress.”

Above everything else, English is confident there is a bright future for agriculture in the country

“The future of agriculture in South Africa is bright. As long as people need food on their tables, farming will remain essential. We live in a country blessed with diverse climates and resources, offering vast opportunities for all kinds of farming, whether it’s beef, crops, sheep, citrus, pork or poultry.

“South Africa has the potential to thrive in agriculture, and with the right support and innovation, the sector will continue to grow,” said English.

As winner of the KZN chapter of the competition, the 35-year-old father of two will represent Kwanalu and all KZN farmers at the 2024 Toyota SA/Agri SA National Young Farmer of the Year Competition. The national winner will drive home in a brand-new Toyota Hilux Single Cab.

Kwanalu CEO Sandy La Marque said every year they were amazed by the innovation and dedication of KZN’s young farmers who forge new paths in an ever-evolving industry.

“Their stories are shining examples of the resilience, passion and forward-thinking that will carry KZN’s agricultural sector into a sustainable and productive future,” she said.