AMALIENSTEIN FARM DAIRY – ZOAR COMMUNITY’S HOPE
The management of the Amalienstein Farm outside Ladismith in the Western Cape was taken over by Casidra in the 1990s in an attempt to turn the farm around from being unprofitable, and to preserve its assets and minimise losses. Casidra’s Board of Directors visited the farm to witness the many exciting changes to the farm in the past year.
With an experienced operations management team comprising Quinton Hoffman and Riaan Strydom, things are looking up with the farm’s Jersey herd of more than 150 cows now supplying an estimated
1.8 litres of milk per cow. Over 2000 bales of feed were stored for the cows. The cows started breeding again in July 2023 after the new management team took over the reins on the farm. “We were doubtful when we arrived on the farm, but due to new operational staff employed, improvements have begun”, said Riaan Strydom.
Despite all the challenges faced by the farm, such as water shortages at the Waterfall and Tierkloof Dams, community support, very little labour assistance, and increasing theft, there are many positive results such as the onion seed plantings that generated an income for the farm. The farm was fortunate to receive a Corporate Social Investment funding injection of up to R2.8 million from dairy production partner Lactalis South Africa, which played a tremendous role in improving the dairy process. Bigger tanks of up to 8000 litres will be replaced in the milking station to optimise the dairy’s capacity and production.
Permanent irrigation systems are to be implemented and the possibility of a greater yield is expected. Mass production of crops on the farm could be an outcome of the water irrigation systems, resulting in an additional stream of income. Many projects and opportunities are still in process, such as the reconciliation project and training programmes for the community that will improve the community’s understanding and support. More advanced workshops or seminars for the farm employees could be held for growth within the agricultural industry.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture representative, Mr Willem Burger, and his team have invested more time in assisting the two farm managers on how to turn the farm around. This has been of tremendous help, especially with the many strategies and projects that seem to be bearing fruit. The funds received from the WCDoA have sustained the farm and are being utilised for maintenance and payroll for their labourers.
“With new management comes many new ideas and potential opportunities for the farm, with the passionate supporting teams from Casidra and its partnerships. Exciting times lie ahead for the farm with more improvements in the pipeline than just the appearance”, says Dr Keith du Plessis, CEO of Casidra.
The Board Chairperson, Christo van der Rheede concluded, “As Casidra’s Board and Management, we are extremely grateful for the positive energy and experience the farm Managers and workers demonstrate. This will take the farm to greater heights and, most importantly, make the farm profitable”.