How To Become A Farmer In South Africa

A farmer is a person engaged in agriculture, raising living organisms for food or raw materials. The term usually applies to people who do some combination of raising field crops, orchards, vineyards, poultry, or other livestock.

What Does A Farmer Do?

Farmers operate establishments that produce crops, livestock and dairy products. They harvest and sell their goods to produce markets and food companies both nationally and internationally.

Farmers typically work long days, and some of the work can be physically strenuous. These professionals work outdoors with their hands in most kinds of weather.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

Primarily, farmers are trained through hands-on experience and are not required to do tertiary studies. However, degrees and diplomas in farming or agriculture are available, and are an advantage when looking for a position in the field.

Aspiring farmers can learn through apprenticeships or by being supervised and trained by experienced farmers. Experience of working on a farm, for example from a weekend or holiday job, dairy work or crop picking would be useful.

What Subjects Do I Need?

Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:

Mathematics

Physical Sciences

Life Sciences

Geography

Accounting

Agricultural Sciences

Where Can I Study?

Elsenburg – Cape Institute for Agricultural Training

How To Become A Farmer In South Africa

Personal requirements for a Farmer

Good at planning

Able to analyse and solve problems

Good organisational and supervisory skills

Good communication skills

Responsible approach and attitude

Enjoy working outdoors in all kinds of weather

Able to work both in a team and with limited social contact

Able to handle animals with confidence and patience

Mechanical aptitude

Aptitude for working with computers

Able to work independently

Education & Training for a Farmer

You can work as a farmer or farm manager without formal qualifications, although skills in farm management, crop management and/or animal husbandry are considered essential. You may learn these skills from an experienced farmer or farm manager on a working farm or formally at an educational institution such as a TAFE, university or an agricultural college.

Courses may focus on specific areas of agriculture or all aspects of farm management. You may like to consider a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a farmer or farm manager through a traineeship.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. Alternatively, you can become a farmer or farm manager by completing a degree in agriculture, agribusiness, animal science, agricultural science or rural science.

To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, physics and chemistry are normally required.

Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and have basic farm skills. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

How much money do farmers make in South Africa?

The average pay for a Crop Farmer is ZAR 290,574 a year and ZAR 140 an hour in South Africa. The average salary range for a Crop Farmer is between ZAR 214,669 and ZAR 358,676. On average, a Less Than HS Degree is the highest level of education for a Crop Farmer.

Which farming is most profitable in South Africa?

Macadamia nuts are hard to beat when it comes to the most lucrative crop per land area used in South Africa. According to statistics from the SA Macadamia Growers’ Association (Samac), the average export price for macadamia kernels in 2017 was R224.

How much does it cost to start a farm in South Africa?

On average, it could cost you between R20,000 to 50,000 to start your own chicken farm, depending on how big or small you’re starting. It costs between R38 to R40 to grow a day-old chick to a point of sale, and one box of 100 day-old chicks costs between R850 to R950. For more stories, go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.

How much does a farm cost in South Africa?

The average price for high-potential arable grain production land falls in the Western Cape are between R40 000/ ha and R50 000/ ha, Karoo grazing farms go for about R2 000/ ha, and irrigated farms go for between R150 000/ ha and R200 000/ha.

What crop is in highest demand in South Africa?

The most demanded vegetables in the country are lettuce, chicory, pumpkins, tomatoes, and carrots. Apart from these, leafy vegetables, like cleome, amaranth, blackjack, and Jew’s mallow, which are locally produced, are also consumed in the country. Most of the country’s oilseed demand is met by domestic production.

How can I farm without money in South Africa?

Here’s 10 ways you can start farming with no money.

Use spare or unused land. Everyone agrees Mzansi needs new farmers.

Don’t be scared to start small.

Never stop learning.

Utilise your networks and collaborate!

Find funding.

Start a communal farm.

Don’t be scared of failure.

Hustle, hustle, hustle.

Can I buy a farm in South Africa?

You can apply for an unsecured loan of up to R25 000. The Micro Agricultural Financial Institutions of South Africa (MAFISA) scheme is set up to provide financial services to smallholder farmers. These loans are specifically for input costs. You can also approach a commercial bank for a loan.

What is the most purchased item in South Africa?

Most-Bought Online Products in South Africa: Are You Stocking them?

Apparel. Clothing, apparel and footwear are some of the most popular items bought online in South Africa and across the globe.

Pet accessories.

Jewellery.

Men’s grooming products.

Shapewear.

Smart Watches.

Marketing Tips.

Is it worth it to buy a farm?

Owning a farm can be hard work but it can also be fulfilling and profitable. One of the main reasons to purchase a farm is the potential for income. Local farms are having a much larger impact in their communities food supplies and have begun to sell directly to consumer.

How can I finance a farm in South Africa?

​​The general requirements for clients to access funding from Land Bank include:

Be a South African citizen or a permanent resident holder;

Have a clean credit record;

A detailed business plan;

Have enough security equivalent to the amount being borrowed; and.

Be able to afford the repayments on a loan.

How hard is it to get a farm loan in South Africa ?

First time farmers can have a tough time qualifying for a loan. Like any business, it is hard to get financed when you don’t have a track record of sales. USDA farm loans come with low interest rates, backed by the federal government.