Insights from TLU SA Young Farmer Finalist Tiaan Barkhuizen
Tiaan Barkhuizen is a young and driven farmer originally from Malmesbury in the Western Cape. Although his family does not have a farming background, his parents own a transport company, Tiaan developed a passion for agriculture from a young age, particularly for livestock and the art of breeding the ideal animal. This passion led him to study agriculture at CPUT in Wellington and eventually to start his own farming enterprise with a clear vision.
Loersand Boerdery, his farm, is a diversified business comprising several branches that complement one another. At the heart of the operation is his Dorper stud, commercial sheep farming with Dorpers, Meatmasters, and Boer goats, as well as a feedlot on Loerkop near Garies. The unique strength of Tiaan’s farming model lies in the fact that he not only breeds his own rams but also raises his own lambs, processes the meat himself, and markets it directly to customers. This integrated approach gives him control over both the quality and price of his products, while also allowing for the buying and selling of livestock at various stages.
In the day-to-day running of the business, Tiaan believes it is important to be personally involved in the farm work. Despite the challenges of managing scattered farms, he makes a point of visiting each flock at least once a week, working alongside his staff and ensuring operations run smoothly. This hands-on approach keeps him closely connected to the core of his business.
Like many young farmers, Tiaan has faced his share of challenges. The most significant have been the unpredictable rainfall in Namaqualand and the threat of predators that “eat into your year’s profit”. In response, he has implemented innovative measures such as jackal-proof fencing with stone packs, splitting animals into smaller flocks of about 250, and managing grazing by keeping livestock in camps only for short periods to protect the grass. These strategies enable him to manage the unpredictability of the environment rather than trying to control it outright.
Tiaan follows a golden rule: always seek advice from experienced farmers. He believes young farmers can learn a great deal by avoiding the mistakes others have made. He combines this wisdom with modern technology such as artificial insemination to maximise livestock performance, as well as cameras and record-keeping systems to safeguard animals during lambing season.
Being named a finalist in TLU SA’s Young Farmer of the Year competition is, for Tiaan, a great honour and a source of motivation. “It is already an incredible privilege to be part of the competition. To be a finalist is truly a great honour,” he says. “It just makes you reflect on what you do and why you do it.”
Tiaan shares that the competition has inspired him afresh to expand his farming activities and embrace new opportunities. “My wife always says: First realise what you have before you ask for more, and the competition has reminded me again how thankful I can be for what I already have.”
Tiaan’s hope for the future of young farmers and agriculture in South Africa is that young people will never stop trying, but will keep farming, persevere, and help ensure fewer farms are left fallow. He believes agriculture is the heartbeat of every nation and hopes more young people will return to farming to strengthen food security.
His dream for Loersand Boerdery over the next ten years is to give Namaqualand’s meat products greater exposure in the wider market. He aims to establish a larger meat processing facility that can deliver meat with a strong Namaqualand identity directly to consumers. He wants his legacy to be built on the principle that quality is always better than quantity.
Tiaan Barkhuizen is a shining example of a young farmer who, with vision, hard work, and a combination of tradition and innovation, seeks to make a lasting impact on South African agriculture.
TLU-SA
