Heibrie de Kock said her father inspired her to become a farmer. He raised her and her sister on his own, and she spent much of her childhood by his side, learning the trade. 

“One of us had to be the tomboy, and that was probably me, and also I was always at my dad’s side, being his shadow, and he’s a farmer, so that’s what I did,” she said.

Heibrie de Kock fixing a pump for drinking water for the cattle. Photo supplied

De Kock said she has been involved in farming all her life. While she and her former husband farmed together, she focused on the cattle while he handled the cropping and tractor work. 

After they separated, she took over the cattle operation and has been farming on her own since 2012.

Like many people entering agriculture, De Kock faced several obstacles when she started farming on her own, with credibility being one of the biggest challenges.

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“When I started, I didn’t have any credibility. When I applied for a loan, my father had to sign for me because the bank said either my father or my husband had to sign before I could get it.”

Another obstacle was the fact that men dominate farming. 

“They say it’s a man’s world. Perhaps a woman has to work a little harder to prove herself, but once other farmers see that you are hands-on and committed, they get respect for you as well.”

Running a successful farm requires careful planning, and De Kock has developed her own strategies over the years. She and her daughter have established strict standards for their Brangus stud to ensure customers receive quality animals.

“My daughter and I have our own set of standards for our stud. When a buyer comes to us to buy a bull, we want them to be proud of the animal they bought from us. 

“It’s important to write down standards for your business and stick to them.”

Brangus bull. Photo supplied

De Kock believes there are opportunities for women who want to pursue a career in farming, provided they are willing to work hard and remain committed. “If you put your hand up, are willing and able to work, and put some backbone into it, then the opportunities will be there.”

She believes for women to succeed in agriculture, there is a need for awareness from the banking community and everyone. “Don’t just say no; look at the person in front of you, whether it’s a man or a woman; don’t judge on that, judge by what they do, and their vision, not gender.”

When it comes to encouraging more women to consider a career in agriculture, De Kock believes opportunities are there for those willing to pursue them.

“If you don’t, someone else is going to. There’s one thing people must remember: nothing is possible without God’s grace. 

“If you’re on your knees and do the right things, then the right things will come your way.”

She encouraged women who are considering a career in agriculture, as well as those already in the industry, to persevere and seize every opportunity. “Don’t sit on the sidelines wishing for something; get in the match and play.”

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa mvh

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