Dean and Deon Barnard, farmers from the Oppie Plaas Boerdery in George, , have grown the world’s heaviest plum, weighing a staggering 464.15 g. This achievement, which has earned them a place in the Guinness World Records, surpasses the previous record by over 100 g, a plum of 354.57 g grown in Japan in 2021.
The record-breaking plum is part of the Autumn Treat variety, known for its crisp texture and sweet taste. Remarkably, this giant fruit came from a commercial tree among 150 other plums, without any special preparations or alterations to the farming process. Dean Barnard, who was recently named the Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year, shared that the plum weighed 480 g at harvest, but due to moisture loss, it shed a few grams before the final weigh-in.
Diversifying and Expanding Plum Cultivation
With eight years of experience in plum farming, the Barnards have diversified their agricultural ventures to include hops and almonds. Recently, however, they have shifted their focus toward expanding plum cultivation. Their farm’s unique microclimates and careful soil management practices have greatly contributed to their success, helping produce several other large plums this season, weighing between 400-450 g.
A New Goal: The 500-Gram Plum
Farming has always been a learning journey for the Barnards, and they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. The Barnards’ passion for their craft shines through, as they now set their sights on a new goal—growing the world’s first 500-gram plum.
The success of this record plum not only reflects the exceptional conditions of their farm but also highlights the importance of innovation and perseverance in agriculture. Their achievement serves as an inspiration to farmers across the globe, proving that with hard work and commitment, even the smallest crop can yield world-class results.