WAYS YOUNG FARMERS CAN SUCCEED IN FARMING

Here is Hadebe, a farmer from South Africa sharing her top five tips on how young farmers can succeed in the agriculture industry:

1. Let’s educate ourselves: Education is key to increasing interest in agriculture youths. After college, I did a diploma in agriculture and that’s where my passion for this industry started. If this was implemented at primary school level already, I believe that more youths would be inclined to farming.

2. It doesn’t happen overnight: I’m not rushing things – I’ve taken the first step into expanding by buying one goat. We tend to be quite impatient as humans and think everything should just happen the moment we decide to invest our efforts, but that’s just not the way things work. Be patient with your business and yourself. Taking it a step at a time yields perfection

3. Take risks: I’ve had to start from scratch on the farm my grandfather left me. And one tough call I’ve had to make is to come in at lower prices to differentiate myself in the market. Yes, this affects revenue, but I am building a client base and gaining exposure. Nothing worth having is easy. And sometimes you have to take a risk with your business in order to succeed.

4. Build a strong support network: My mother has been my biggest support since taking over the farm – whether it be with funds to invest in the farm or advice. My family has also been a huge part of helping me run the farm, especially at a time when I can’t afford too many employees. Find your support. Lean on them when you need to. There’s nothing wrong with that.

5. Adopt an entrepreneurial spirit: The more people are willing to become entrepreneurs, the more this impacts the economy in terms of job creation. And the more youths decide to take this road, the more you open up doors for other youths.