Osler, who is a successful apple farmer in the Fouriesburg area in the Free State, says farming can be incredibly rewarding. 

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Osler, who has been farming in a family business for the past 16 years, describes farming to be a way of life and a great way to be outdoors. He, who is primarily responsible for the apple enterprise and packhouse of Lone Tree Farms, advises anyone who is able to enter into the farming arena that they should do so as it is a “great way of living, it’s a great way to do business. It is challenging, but at the end of the day it can be incredibly rewarding.”

He was crowned as this year’s winner on 13 April after being one of five competitors from the province. The four other finalists were Annalea van Niekerk, Doug Osler, Jimmy Roberts, Louis Albrecht De Jager, and Nant Yzel.

“I must say that it’s an absolute honour to be chosen. There was stiff competition. I did not meet the other contestants but, seeing the videos of each person’s set-up – to have won it, is an absolute honour,” says Osler.

The organisation further shares in a statement that: “Hard work, attention to detail, and a strong faith are the pillars on which Free State Agriculture’s new Young Farmer of the Year builds his farming business. The father of two believes in creating a work environment in which everyone is willing to help, learn and grow. According to him, mutual respect for each other is the core factor. It is also important for him to assist his employees with problems, whether work-related or personal.”

Furthermore, Osler is also a member of the Fouriesburg Agricultural Association, chairman of Highveld Fruit Producers and serves as a director on the Hortgro Pome producers’ council.

Meanwhile, Francois Wilken, president of Free State Agriculture, tells OFM News that despite the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, everything was a success in terms of the competition and crowning this year’s winner. He adds that the organisation will inform the public when the next competition entries will open.

OFM News