The proverbial expression, hard work pays off, especially rings true for Mr Abel Nhlanhla a farmer in Morgenzon who turned a holiday hobby into a full-time career.

He would during the school holidays visit his grandparents who farmed in Morgenzon.

“My grandfather had cattle and every morning we would wake up at the crack of dawn to milk the cows,” he said.

According to him, he knew little to nothing about farming, but through his grandfather his interest was peaked.

Mr Nhlanhla went the extra mile to gain more knowledge about farming with livestock.

He met Mr Philip Hatting in Hendrina in 2019 and considers him his mentor.

Mr Hatting shared his knowledge about livestock and introduced him to messrs. Simeon and Jarren Hurwitz from Hurwitz Farming.

Without an appointment, Mr Nhlanlha one day drove to their farm in Davel and was warmly welcomed.

He also met with the farm manager Jeanie and told him about his love for livestock.

“I was suprised that they too agreed to mentor me. “They played a vital role in teaching me about all the things relating to farming,” Mr Nhlanhla said.

He said considering the financial, physical, mental and climate challenges for which farmers have to plan each season, it’s not just something you jump into and know exactly how everything functions.

“Regarding animals, you have to treat them like they are your children or part of the family.”

He said he also realised quickly that if you were only into farming for the financial gains, you were in for a surprise.

“It takes a lot of time and energy to turn farming into a successful business,” he said.

The highlight of his journey thus far was when he bought his first two cows and when a good Samaritan donated a tractor to him.

Read the complete article in the Highvelder Newspaper.