Groot Phesantekraal is a well-diversified family farm managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Brink family, André and his sons, Rennie and Jeandré. André recently received the honour of being named Western Cape Farmer of the Year at the 2024 !Xhariep Agricultural Writers SA Regional Awards.

André’s father strongly believed in supporting local initiatives. Since both Groot Phesantekraal and Agrico’s Andrag family are based in Durbanville, they felt that Agrico was the right partner to have in the business.

Theft-resistant pivot points reduce risks

Gerrie Herbst, mechanical engineer at Agrico, explains: “Here at Vissershok, we implemented a custom project, from the initial design for the 80ha, to our recommendations for pump and machinery selections, as well as the physical installation of the pivots and pump stations, automation via Web Control, and the successful completion of the project.”

Agrico’s G4 pivots not only ensure efficient water distribution but also come equipped with theft-resistant components. All valuable parts are concealed from plain sight. The tyres cannot be stolen either, thanks to theft-resistant bolts.

“Our biggest risk in the area is theft. Agrico recommended the new and theft-resistant G4 centre pivot, because its valuable components are all hidden from the naked eye,” says André’s son, Rennie.

Pivots offer extended growing season

“We set up four centre pivots here on the farm, which now give us a longer period of the year to plant various crops, especially on our smallest circle covering 11ha and the largest one of 25ha,” Rennie says.

“In January and February we harvested our first summer crops. Currently, we are growing wheat under the pivots. We look forward to planting the next summer crops after the wheat harvest.

“The biggest advantage of the pivots is the ability to grow a summer crop that we could never do before. There’s an additional yield that was never there. Previously, the land lay dormant, but now we can cultivate something.

“Our feed production facility is also very beneficial. We are now growing our own silage and green feed. Where we used to have to purchase extra feed, we are now adding value to our own product and don’t have to incur additional expenses. We can again plant something else that is more profitable on another piece of land, and we produce silage at a fraction of the cost.”

Great collaboration between Agrico and the family

André’s philosophy is that a farm, like any other business, must adapt and grow to avoid stagnation. This mindset, combined with the support of Agrico, has helped make Groot Phesantekraal a leading example in the industry.

Gerrie says: “As an irrigation company, we take pride in playing a role in Groot Phesantekraal’s success. André’s dedication to farming and his family’s hard work is an inspiration to us all. As the Agrico team, we are proud to collaborate with this family. Their passion for innovation inspires us, and we are excited to build on this successful partnership.”

Phone Agrico on 021 950 4111, or visit agrico.co.za.