Adriaan Pieter (Riaan) Botha

• Reference: Andy Shepard +1 270 350 3335
• Reference: Alana Baker Dunn +1 502 333 5838
• email: alanafbaker@gmail.com

Scope of farming operations:

+/- 3000 Hactares of mixed crop (wheat, corn and soy). Cattle heard of +/- 350 Black Angus and Charolais.

Duties and tasks:

• Plowing of fields and no till, planting of seeds, and harvesting of crops. Supporting farm owner to plan harvesting schedules and delivering harvested crops to grain bins.
• Collaborated with fellow farm workers to complete tasks efficiently and on time while maintaining a positive and "can-do" working environment.
• Reduced pest infestation through regular monitoring, timely application of pesticides, and integrated pest management practices.
• Ensured animal welfare by providing proper nutrition, healthcare, and comfortable living conditions for livestock.
• Coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers or feedstock at competitive prices.
• Operated farm equipment such as tractors and trucks with extreme care and precision.
• Maintained farm equipment in optimal condition through regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs when necessary.
• Operated various types of modern machinery skillfully for planting, cultivating, harvesting crops, or managing livestock needs effectively.
• Assisted in the development of an efficient farm management system by streamlining processes and effectively utilizing available resources.
• Collaborated closely with agronomists to make informed decisions about planting schedules, seed selection, nutrient management plans, and other vital aspects of crop production optimization.
• Regulator observation of farm animals, and notified the supervisor of signs of illness.

Scope of operations:

• Total crop under irrigation approximately 220 hectares, of which 60 hectares are potatoes. Traditional and modern farming pratices and equipment.
• Live Stock Farming – 200 herd Nguni Cattle (Stud & Commercial)
• Game farming - hunting and accomodation. Wildlife conservation activiities.
• Reference: James Language +27 79 129 5230

Taks and duties:

• Field preparation and planting – seed potatoes, maize, corn, oats, lucerne, teff.
• Operation and maintenance of pivot and drip irrigation systems.
• Leading and managing a team of 30 skilled and unskilled farm personnel.

Role overview:

• Worked closely with employees to improve practices, techniques and safety choices, optimizing performance, and minimizing waste.
• Detailed record keeping of crop production, livestock health, equipment maintenance, financial transactions, and employee performance for data-driven decision making.
• Managed farm staff efficiently, providing training and guidance for optimal performance.
• Established strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of necessary materials at competitive prices.
• Developed long-term plans for crop rotation, soil management, and sustainable farming practices to maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion.
• Conducted structural inspections on pump houses and other farm buildings to determine maintenance requirements and organize repairs.
• Maximized operational profits by closely inspecting crops, assessing quality, and identifying problems such as disease or insects.
• Enhanced crop yield by implementing effective irrigation and fertilization techniques.
• Consistently met or exceeded production targets by diligently monitoring progress and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Oversaw the maintenance of farm machinery, resulting in reduced downtime due to repairs or malfunctions.
• Planned schedule for crop rotation, plantings, and harvest.
• Hired, trained and supervised seasonal workers engaged in cultivation and harvest.
• Successfully negotiated contracts with buyers to secure favorable terms for the sale of farm products.
• Streamlined communication between departments by implementing efficient reporting systems for accurate information sharing among teams.
• Fostered a positive work culture that motivated employees to excel in their roles while also reducing turnover rates.
• Reduced farm expenses by optimizing resource allocation and streamlining operations.
• Implemented pest control programs to minimize crop damage while adhering to environmental regulations.
• Collaborated closely with agronomists to make informed decisions about planting schedules, seed selection, nutrient management plans, and other vital aspects of crop production optimization.
• Analyzed soil to measure pH, minerals, and organics to judge best fertilizer and amendments for maximum crop production.
• Performed repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment and property.
• Inspected and repaired equipment for livestock and crop management.
• Researched pests and diseases common to individual types of stock and developed mitigation plans.
• Set up and managed plant irrigation systems to maintain optimal flows to different types of plants.
• Placed supply orders, restocked supplies and merchandised products for purchase by customers.

Other community activities:

• Rulal safety - Security Chairman
• Farm patrols in collaboration with local security and police.

Scope of operations:

+/- 600 hactares mixed farming.

Reference: Marietta Boer 083 276 7801

• - Stock Farming – Sheep (Wool & Meat), Cattle, Wildlife.
• - Trout Farming – Hatchery, razing, stocking.
• - Veld Management
• - Crops
• - Maintenance
• - Fencing
• - Building Projects
• - Orders & Payments
• - Finances & Bookkeeping
• - Staff management
• Enforced proper storage of crops, fertilizers and materials used in agricultural production.
• Improved overall farm efficiency with the adoption of modern agricultural technology and equipment.
• Worked closely with employees to improve practices, techniques and safety choices, optimizing performance, and minimizing waste.

Other

• - Fire Breaks – Member of PAFPA (Platorand Area Fire Protection Association) & Fire Boss
• - Vice-Chairman (Security) of DBV (Dullstroom Boerevereniging)
• - Security Chairman for Transvaal Landbou Unie.

• - Drawing & Submitting plans to Engineers, Municipality & NHBRC
• - Costing & Planning
• - Site Prep & Oversite
• - Orders & Purchases
• - Manage & Oversite of Subs
• - Payments
• - Sign-off
• Reference: Tommie Postma (Owner-Deceased) 082 805 6090
• Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
• Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.

• Collect and testing of samples
• - Soil
• - Rock
• - Tar
• - Concrete
• - Roads
• - Bridges
• Reference: Piet Fourie (Director) 082 458 6224

• - Cattle
• - Crop – Planting, Harvesting, Silage, Hauling.
• Reference: Mike Pavlu (Owner) (785) 731 6316