Insights for new farmers | Pearls of wisdom from Pieter du Toit

While Pieter du Toit wraps up a notable career as Managing Director and now Chairman of the Dutoit Group, his lifelong passion for agriculture and commitment to excellence culminate in invaluable lessons for young and beginner farmers entering the agricultural community. Here are his key insights that underscore respect, passion, teamwork, and innovation. As published in Hortgro’s New Roots Volume 9.

Financial discipline is paramount. Pieter emphasises that financial discipline is the backbone of any agricultural venture. “I refer to this as the back room of your business,” he states. Many failures in the agricultural sector result from inadequate financial structures and poor oversight. If your “back room” is unorganised, success in the “front room”, or visible operations, will be unattainable.

Cultivate a passion for people and products. A deep-seated love for your team, products, and environment is critical. Pieter has observed that farmers who genuinely care and strive to make a positive difference tend to thrive, while those focused solely on profit often fall short. “Success follows those who have passion,” he notes.

Clients are the drivers. Understanding market demands is essential. Pieter’s golden rule is to “not produce that which you cannot sell”. Staying attuned to customer preferences and exploring new trends helps maintain excitement and relevance in the marketplace.

Embrace teamwork. Individual success in agriculture is limited. Building a supportive network is crucial, as the agricultural landscape can be unpredictable and volatile. Pieter urges new farmers to engage with industry structures and actively participate in their communities to weather the inevitable storms.

Foster a learning culture. Agriculture is about continuous improvement. “I recommend leveraging specialists to enhance knowledge and learning. If possible, travel to best practices around the world and be open to sharing insights to foster collective growth,” Pieter states.

Adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The agricultural sector is in a transformative phase marked by data-driven decision-making. Pieter stresses that success in this rapidly changing environment hinges on embracing cutting-edge innovations. “If you fall behind now, you may never catch up,” he warns.

Work with nature’s laws. Lastly, Pieter highlights the importance of competitive advantages that acknowledge and respect nature’s laws. Sustainable farming practices, including a commitment to preserving soil and water, are essential for long-term success.

Emerging farmers integrating these principles can lay a strong foundation for a prosperous future in agriculture. “In closing, I believe that South Africa is uniquely positioned to become a major producer of healthy food, not just for its population but for much of Africa and the rest of the world,” Pieter concludes.