At the 2024 !Xhariep Agricultural Writers SA Regional Awards that was held recently, André Brink was recognized as the Western Cape Farmer of the Year, a prestigious award that acknowledges his exceptional contributions to agriculture. The event celebrated the region’s top agricultural leaders and their dedication to advancing the sector. The awards recognized farmers and agriculturalists who lead the charge in agriculture across the region. The !Xhariep region includes the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape.
Groot Phesantekraal, located on the outskirts of Durbanville, has been in the Brink family for generations. Today, the fourth and fifth generations – André Brink and his sons, Rennie and Jeandre—manage the farm. André took the reins of the family farm in 1996, inheriting 350 hectares of crops, 800 sheep, and 50 cattle. Under his guidance, the farm has expanded significantly, now encompassing 4,650 hectares of owned land, plus an additional 850 hectares of leased land.
A Diversified Farming Enterprise
The farm is a shining example of diversification, a key factor in its success. Groot Phesantekraal grows small grains on 2,500 hectares, cultivates 1,500 hectares of pasture, and tends 180 hectares of vineyards, supplying a 500-ton wine cellar. The livestock operations are just as impressive, with 3,500 Dohne Merino sheep and 400 Hereford cattle.
This diverse approach doesn’t stop at farming – Groot Phesantekraal also boasts six different business branches: small grain, livestock, wine grapes, a feed factory, hospitality, and a non-agricultural branch. By spreading risk and focusing on value addition in all operations, André ensures the farm’s stability and sustainability.
A Family-Run Business
Groot Phesantekraal is a 100% family-run enterprise. André oversees the farm’s overall management while also seeking new opportunities for growth. His son Rennie is in charge of the small grain and wine departments, while Jeandre handles the livestock and feed production. Ronelle, André’s wife, manages the farm’s marketing, administration, and wine exports. André’s daughter, Marizanne, plays a vital role on the farm as well, bringing her expertise as an industrial engineer. Her skills contribute significantly to the operational efficiency of the farm, where she assists with various technical and logistical aspects to optimize farm processes. Marizanne’s background allows her to approach farm management with a fresh perspective, helping the family continuously improve and adapt to modern challenges in agriculture.
This family teamwork has been instrumental in the farm’s continued success. The collaborative spirit of the Brink family allows them to navigate the challenges of modern farming and thrive in an ever-changing industry.
Other Accolades
In addition to being named the Western Cape Farmer of the Year, André has received numerous other awards for his contributions to agriculture. In 2022, he was named Graan SA’s Grain Producer of the Year, further solidifying his status as an industry leader. He has also won the Protein Research Foundation’s Canola Yield Competition in the Swartland region, achieving an impressive yield of 2.186 tons per hectare.
Beyond grain, the farm’s wine production has been recognized with several awards. Their Sauvignon Blanc has earned two spots in the prestigious Sauvignon Blanc Top-10, along with multiple gold and double gold medals at both the Veritas and Michelangelo Wine Competitions. The farm’s wines are consistently rated highly, with Platter’s Wine Guide awarding four stars or more.
André Brink is a forward-thinking farmer who believes in the importance of innovation while balancing practicality. He actively seeks out new technologies and methods to keep the farm on the cutting edge, though he remains cautious about unnecessary expenditures. In his words, technology must add value and be used cost-effectively to help manage land and resources optimally.
Looking ahead to the National Agricultural Writers Awards in November, André Brink’s achievements stand as a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and innovative spirit in South African agriculture.