A love for this country and for farming
Bakkies Botha, a name synonymous with talent and perseverance on the rugby field, does not have just one passion in this life. Just as deep, even deeper than that for rugby, runs his love for farming. For Bakkies, farming is not just a profession. It is a way of life; a calling that connects him to our Creator and the soil of our beautiful country. His heart beats for the rich, fertile fields and the agricultural community of South Africa.
“With my rugby career, I have been around the world, and I have seen several countries, and still I have decided over and over again to come back to South Africa. People ask me why. And there is only one reason… the people!”
From rugby field to maize fields
After a legendary rugby career, Bakkies has taken on a new challenge: the world of farming. Although at first glance they may seem like two different worlds, the two professions have much in common: hard work, perseverance, and a deep respect for tradition and discipline.
Farming is not for the faint of heart. From droughts and diseases to the uncertainties of market prices, it is an industry full of challenges, but for Bakkies the rewards far outweigh the obstacles. He describes farming as a constant learning process, where every day offers a new challenge and an opportunity for growth.
“There is nothing that compares to the feeling of satisfaction when you harvest your crop or see the first rain of the season fall. The smell of wet soil gives me goosebumps,” he says.
One of the ten Agrico G3 pivots on the farm outside Warmbad … and just look how well the maize is growing.
A busy farming schedule with the support of Agrico
Bakkies says: “We are busy with a few things in terms of farming, and as always, I have a few irons in the fire. This includes the Beefmaster stud farms (B4 and V8 Beefmasters) in the Kalahari. I am also part of André Kock & Seun Limpopo, outside Warmbad, where I am involved in the feedlot and livestock industry with Paul van Vuuren sr. and Paul van Vuuren jr. We also plant maize and peanuts under irrigation to provide feed for the auction animals and feedlot.”
On Andre Kock & Seun’s farm outside Warmbad, ten Agrico G3 pivots irrigate the feed. Bakkies believes that you know what you are getting yourself into and who you are working with when it comes to pivots.
“We did our research and did some math, after which we went to the Agrico team in Nylstroom, and today we have ten G3 pivots here on the farm. We were able to do all this together with a local manufacturer who was able to walk the path with us.
“What stands out to us about the G3 pivots is the availability of parts, and the fact that this pivot is manufactured locally. If there are errors or problems, they are corrected immediately to limit and prevent downtime,” says Bakkies.
What do rugby and farming have in common?
Bakkies has built a reputation as a player who never gives up. It is that same spirit that he brings to the farm.
“Farming is like rugby,” he says. “There are good days and bad days, but you must keep fighting, you have to keep dreaming and never lose your faith. Farming teaches you to stay humble and to always keep your feet on the ground.”
Bakkies says that he applies about 90% of the lessons he learned from his rugby career to his farming today. “To be able to work together in a team, to have mutual respect and to have a “game plan”. You always analyse your opponents, and farming is no different at all. From day one you must have a plan.”
Bakkies’ love for the land is something that was instilled in him from a young age. He grew up in a family that understood the value of hard work and a respect for nature. He applied these life lessons not only on the rugby field, but also on the farm, where he gets his hands dirty every day to bring the best out of the soil.
For Bakkies, farming is also a way to continue his legacy. He wants to pass on his love for the land and the farming lifestyle to his children. “Your legacy is so important. You should always leave a place better than you found it, and I think in farming aspects specifically. Farming remains one of the greatest success stories in our country,” says Bakkies.
A great spirit with a big heart among his maize under Agrico irrigation on the farm.
A heart for the farming community
Bakkies is not only a farmer, but also an ambassador for the farming community. He understands the challenges that farmers face, and he uses his platform to support the hard-working men and women who feed our country. He is known for his motivational messages to farmers, encouraging them to stay strong and never give up, regardless of the challenges ahead.
He says: “In farming, we live by a saying: The road is much longer than it is wide. We are people who want to walk a path with partners who make a difference and who are also here for the long haul.”
With his unique ability to bring people together, Bakkies has become a symbol of hope and unity for the agricultural community. He believes that farmers are the backbone of the country and that they play a key role in the survival of South Africa. “As a farmer, you have a responsibility to the earth, to your community, and to your family,” he says. “And that is something I carry with pride.”
Bakkies is also involved in HelpJag, where they distribute venison to about 90 schools across the country, feeding about 8 000 toddlers. For more information on how you can contribute and get involved in this initiative, visit https://helpjag.co.za/.
