Chumani Mhlobo
Agriculturalist
East London
Summary
Highly motivated BTech: Agricultural Management graduate from Nelson Mandela University, with approximately 7 years of experience growing soft fruit (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries and Blackberries) in different growing systems. Dedicated to delivering high quality work through creative problem-solving and expert planning. I am constantly reliable day in and day out not just some of the time. You can count on me to get the job done, meet deadlines, and provide consistent quality work. Taking on more responsibility and extra initiative sets me apart from others. I believe I would be a great asset for your company and I would birth a team that would realize your global vision.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
4047
4047
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Greenhouse Nursery Grower
Fall Creek Farm And Nursery
3 2021 - 12.2023
- Key Link between Production Operations and Production Plants Team, Blueberry Production and Nurseries, Climate Control, Roller Venting, and Automated Venting Systems, Irrigation Monitoring, and Scheduling.
- Supervises, organizes, and monitors the work of employees within assigned teams.
- Assists with time-motion studies, as needed.
- Assists with monitoring plant quality by watching for unusual plant appearance, plant diseases or signs of stress, pests, or other potential problems with the crop.
- Performs all work activities and promotes work crews to perform work in a safe and efficient manner.
- Brings potential hazards to the immediate attention of management or the safety committee.
- Make sure equipment is in proper operating condition and immediately notify the maintenance department if repairs are needed.
- Assist employees in performing work by answering questions and demonstrating techniques.
- Trains employees on how to operate equipment and machinery safely.
- Assists with keeping work areas and the overall appearance of the nursery clean and organized.
- Purchased supplies such as pesticides, and fertilizer.
- Global GAP and SIZA certification.
- Maximized water conservation, checking sprinkler spray angles and testing digital controller performance.
- Enhanced crop yield by utilizing advanced growing practices and maintaining optimal environmental conditions.
- Maintained accurate records of planting dates, fertilization schedules, pest management interventions, and harvest data for future reference.
- Streamlined nursery operations by introducing efficient transplanting techniques that minimizes plant stress during the process.
- Developed effective pruning strategies, leading to healthier plants with increased fruit set and yields.
- Trained new staff members on company protocols and horticultural best practices to ensure consistency across the operation.
- Conducted regular field scouting activities to identify potential disease or pest outbreaks early on.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers to secure high-quality inputs at competitive prices, while developing a reliable supply chain network.
- Contributed to the development of standard operating procedures that enhanced employee productivity, reduced waste, and ensured consistent product quality.
- Utilized integrated pest management strategies that minimized pesticide use while ensuring optimal crop protection from pests and diseases.
- Managed greenhouse climate control systems, optimizing temperature, humidity, and light levels for ideal plant growth.
- Optimized plant growth by implementing effective irrigation and nutrient management techniques.
- Assisted in budget development by providing accurate estimates of input costs based on historical data analysis combined with anticipated trends in labor and material costs.
- Participated in research trials aimed at identifying new cultivars with improved traits such as yield potential or disease resistance.
- Assisted with maintenance and installation of irrigation equipment.
Technical Assistant
Professional Horticultural Consulting
07.2019 - 02.2021
- Growing Strawberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries both in a protected environment and open fields.
- Integrated Pest Management: Scouting for pests and diseases, and unusual plant appearances.
- Monitoring irrigation and fertigation (moisture content, EC, and pH); monitoring plant brix levels; and monitoring crops and field inspection to determine maturity.
- Responsible for land preparation of Strawberry plantings.
- Responsible use of Plant Protection Products.
- Irrigation and Nutrition management.
- Compliance officer.
- Trial monitoring. Data capturing and data analysis.
- Oversees things in the absence of the technical manager.
- Plan, action, orientate, and monitor staff.
- Procurement of all materials and equipment.
- Establish an action maintenance plan for all equipment.
- Plan, coordinate, monitor, and adjust husbandry strategy per crop.
- Determine applicable cropping systems per day, per crop.
- Manage tunnel operations and maintenance according to a strategic plan to ensure climate control.
- Action tunnel management activities according to climatic changes (venting/deventing).
- Monitor fields and develop appropriate spray programs to minimize pest infestations.
- Procure services within the relevant department to meet specific deadlines and outcomes.
- Implementation of biological pest and disease control measures.
- Develop, implement, and monitor an effective pollination strategy per field per crop.
- Ensure safety standards are adhered to.
- Develop, implement, and monitor effective field maintenance programs per field per crop, resulting in neat blocks.
- Provided technical guidance and support to team members.
- Developed detailed user manuals for various applications and tools, empowering employees to utilize technology effectively.
- Assisted in development of training materials, enhancing employee technical skills.
Junior Grower
Blueberry Hill Farm
07.2016 - 06.2017
- Responsible for growing sweet bell peppers in multi-span greenhouses.
- Data collection and capturing.
- Assisted with administration work.
- Maximized water conservation, checking sprinkler spray angles and testing digital controller performance.
- Optimized plant growth by implementing effective irrigation and nutrient management techniques.
- Coordinated effectively with sales representatives to forecast crop availability accurately and meet customer demands consistently.
- Implemented organic soil amendments, improving soil structure, fertility, and overall plant health.
- Trained new staff members on company protocols and horticultural best practices to ensure consistency across the operation.
- Participated in research trials aimed at identifying new cultivars with improved traits such as yield potential or disease resistance.
- Communicated with coworkers and management to report challenges.
- Diagnosed and treated pest and disease problems in plants.
- Assembled and maintained greenhouses and other structures to assist with business operations.
- Identified plant diseases and researched methods for mitigation.
- Evaluate harvesting conditions and identify obstacles.
- Transported and loaded harvested items into the packhouse.
- Monitored and recorded moisture content, EC, and PH in plants.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Agricultural Management
Nelson Mandela University
George, South Africa 04.2001 - 01.2018
Diploma: Agricultural Management -
Nelson Mandela University
George, South Africa11.2017
Grade 12/ Matric -
Dondashe SSS
Skills
Drivers License Code 10
Fork Lift and Tractor Operator
First Aider (Basic Level)
Scouting and IPM
Handling of Hazardous Chemicals
Fire Fighter (Basic Level)
Operating a Potting Line Machine
Operating Venting Systems
Operating Netajet Irrigation Systems
Decision Making
Excellent Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Leadership Skills
Health and Safety Rep
People Management
Farm equipment handling and maintenance
SOPs creation
Agricultural Manager (Monitoring & Evaluation)
Global GAP and SIZA Compliance Knowledge
Personal Information
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: South African Citizen
Projectsreference
- Musa Mfengu, Fall Creek Farm and Nursery, Former Production Supervisor, 0763918942
- Pieter Levendal, Professional Horticultural Consulting, Plant Protection Manager, 0712327488
- Justin Cork, Blueberry hill farm, Production Director, 0766265821
Timeline
Technical Assistant
Professional Horticultural Consulting
07.2019 - 02.2021
Junior Grower
Blueberry Hill Farm
07.2016 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Agricultural Management
Nelson Mandela University
04.2001 - 01.2018
Greenhouse Nursery Grower
Fall Creek Farm And Nursery
3 2021 - 12.2023
Diploma: Agricultural Management -
Nelson Mandela University
Grade 12/ Matric -
Dondashe SSS