Barend Oosthuizen
Whiteriver
Summary
Experienced farm management professional with a proven track record in macadamia nut production and farm operations. Demonstrates expertise in operational planning, process optimisation, and labour management, ensuring efficient and safe working environments. Skilled in quality inspection, resource allocation, and client communication, with a strong focus on safety compliance and problem-solving. Adept at training development and team leadership to maximise performance. Career goal: to leverage extensive agricultural experience to drive sustainable farming practices and enhance productivity.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Macadamia Farm Management
Magidi Farm (pty)ltd.
Whiteriver
10.2017 - Current
- Macadamia nut production: farm layout and development, orchard planning, soil preparation including soil sampling, irrigation, planting, fertilising, scouting and spraying insecticides and herbicides, harvesting, pruning.
- Managing all labour aspects of macadamia production, including in-season and out-of-season labour.
- Consulting with fertiliser and chemical companies to order and manage fertiliser and chemical programmes.
- Managing overall neatnes and security aspects.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
- Maintained clean, safe working environments to eliminate accident risks.
- Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Demonstrated consistent hard work and dedication to achieve results and improve operations.
- Trained and mentored employees to maximise team performance.
Director & Owner
Boscheskop Landgoed
Nelspruit
01.1999 - 02.2013
- Oversaw farm workers, checking jobs done correctly and offering guidance.
- Handled farm operations, planting, cultivating and processing of crops for optimal harvesting.
- Kept in good physical condition to perform required daily tasks quickly and efficiently.
- Conducted regular quality inspections of land and crops.
- Checked and maintained tools and machinery, repairing and replacing to keep operations in good working order.
- Practiced diligent pest and disease control procedures to reduce risk and waste.
- Managed crop maintenance including weeding, thinning and pruning for healthy crop growth.
- Prepared land for cultivation and harvesting to achieve maximum yield.
- Monitored plant health and soil conditions, applying treatments to prevent disease and pest infestation.
Education
NVQ Level 4 - Matrick
Technical High School Witbank
Witbank, MP1985
Skills
- Quality inspection
- Team leadership
- Operational planning
- Process optimization
- Problem solving
- Labour management
- Safety compliance
- Resource allocation
- Client communication
- Training development
- Problem-solving
- Calm under pressure
- Project management
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Team leadership and motivation
- Analytical and critical thinking
- MS Office Suite
Hobbies and interests
- Gardening is a much fulfilling and relaxing alternative other than a busy everyday work schedule. Don't get me wrong I love my work but this is super nice.
- Science is a very interesting topic, especially plants and animal science.
Timeline
Macadamia Farm Management
Magidi Farm (pty)ltd.
10.2017 - Current
Director & Owner
Boscheskop Landgoed
01.1999 - 02.2013
NVQ Level 4 - Matrick
Technical High School Witbank