At the end of 2024, farmers in the Northern parts of the country were unexpectedly struck by devastating storms that not only destroyed crops, but also toppled center pivots. Agrico’s factories, branches, and contractors quickly rallied together to provide urgent support to our valued customers who needed it the most.
On November 28, a massive storm swept through large parts of the bushveld and springbok area in Limpopo. Heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds caused widespread damage, leaving many farmers and their crops in crisis.
Agrico teams were undeterred in their efforts to quickly plan and provide support. In December, 42 center pivots – 36 of which were on already planted crops – were picked up and repaired. Despite the fact that the factories’ orders for the year had already been closed, they did not hesitate to assist.
Agrico Nylstroom immediately established communication with the Lichtenburg and Bellville factories, to create an action plan. With crops at risk, time was not on the farmers’ side, and priority customer lists were compiled. The factories also implemented extra shifts to ensure stock availability, aiming to keep repair schedules running smoothly.
Installation teams were redirected from new projects and allocated to the pivots at the top of the priority list. True community collaboration emerged, and where one farmer with less immediate need could shift his request, he did so.
“Farmers would call and insist that we help their neighbour instead, because, according to them, their crops were already in tatters and further damage would not matter,” says Theo van Staden, branch manager at Agrico Nylstroom.
While extreme winds caused large-scale destruction, the rain helped save crops that could not be irrigated. The rain also gave the workforce the flexibility to space out tasks, as it meant that these crops received enough water to survive for a while longer. This story proves that collaboration is the building blocks of success. By working together, we achieved something extraordinary.
After storms hit northern farmers in late 2024, Agrico and the community quickly restored 42 center pivots, saving vital crops. This collaborative effort highlights the power of teamwork in overcoming disaster.
Op die plaas York, ‘n klipgooi vanaf Ellisras in Limpopo, dryf Johan van der Linde sy boerdery met trots met die hulp van Agrico se kwaliteit produkte en volgehoue goeie diens. “Ek het nie ‘n begeerte om eers by ‘n ander ou uit te vind of hulle produkte beter is nie, want wat Agrico doen, doen hulle goed,” meen Johan.
Agrico has taken a significant step toward sustainability and operational efficiency by adopting a hybrid energy system. Partnering with RenEnergy, we’ve integrated solar power and advanced battery storage to reduce our reliance on external grids, lower operational costs, and minimize our carbon footprint.
Bakkies Botha, a name synonymous with grit and perseverance on the rugby field, has found a new arena where his drive and dedication continue to flourish – the world of farming. But for Bakkies, farming is more than just a game or a career; it’s a calling, deeply connected to his love for South Africa and his commitment to the agricultural community.
At Vrymansfontein, part of the Vondeling Group in South Africa’s Paarl district, almond farming is thriving thanks to a combination of ideal climate and efficient irrigation practices. With plans to harvest its first commercial crop in 2025, the farm uses a tailored drip irrigation system designed in partnership with Agrico to meet the specific needs of almonds.
Inwoners van Lichtenburg in Noordwes ervaar al meer as twee weke lank onderbrekings in kragtoevoer, nadat ‘n Eskom-transformator gebreek het en ‘n kabelfout by ‘n minisubstasie ontstaan het. Agrico het saam met ander tegniese spanlede van plaaslike ondernemings, hulp aangebied om die probleem op te los.
