THE Milliendale farmers co-operative celebrated the farmers day by inviting farmers experts to mentor them about the farming at Koppie Alleen Farm in Dannhauser in the northern KwaZulu-Natal.The Milliendale farmers co-operative has cultivated 150 hectors of mealies, breeding cattle and sheep in the  rented Milliendalle Farm.The chairman of the Milliendale co-operative Remember Mthethwa said they are in the plans of buying the farm but they don’t have money to buy it.

 He said we have started the co-op in 2010. 

“We sell our livestock to the Newcastle abattoirs , sell mealies to the South African Breweries (SAB),” Mthethwa said, adding that they also supply meat to Bosco butchery in Newcastle.

He said we have a study group where we invite other farmers to teach us or to impart knowledge about farming.

“We wish to supply are produce to big brands in the country and also to import to oversee countries, ”Mthethwa said.

Sandie Kruger from SAB said the vision for them is to support the emerging farmers.  She said together with emerging farmers like Milliendale farmers co-operative were on the right path that seek a success and good harvest.

“Mealie field looks good but what is important is to protect the mealie fields for the future, “Kruger said, adding that the SAB has created a good working relationship with the department of agriculture.

Kruger said the SAB offers an imput financing as a loan, offer free continuous farming mentorship, skills development/ training based on finance, business skills, general agricultural skills and a technical support.

 “We buy maize from the emerging farmers and offer contracts with them, ”she said , adding that SAB together with Farm Wise do market related pricing for the emerging farmers.

 He commended the good work done by the Milliendale Farmers Co-operative to be an example of other emerging farmers. She said other farmers should join hands and work like this co-operative.