Michael Van Der Merwe

The job involves inspecting equipment, moving fertilizer, plow fields, performing inspections and repairs on tractors and , and following safe practices for chemical mixing. The job also involves loading spreaders with fertilizer and seed, harvesting activities, and repairing structures. Herding livestock, mixing feed, additives, and medicines, and sorting cattle into appropriate groups.

My job was also assisting in soil preparation, operating seed drills and manure spreaders, and irrigating soil. Repairing faulty wiring in automated irrigation controllers. I also operating tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery, identifying plants, pests, and weeds, and assisting in assembly of components, tools, and machinery.

I ensured all harvested material is unloaded promptly without loss of product due to spillage or contamination. I also maintained accurate records of daily harvest yields, truck loads, fuel consumption, and machine hours used. My job was also to load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, and materials, performing pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections, and adjusting and repairing steering mechanisms and brakes. The job also involves operating grain elevators and other equipment to unload, weigh, test, treat, store, and ship grain.

In collaboration with Speer Ag LL.

• Replaced brake pads, shock absorbers and mufflers.
• Ran diagnostics on heating and cooling systems to trace faults and completed skilled repairs.
• Completed simple and advanced repairs according to specifications for brakes, exhaust and electrical systems.
• Maintained vehicles by changing oil, checking batteries and lubricating components.
• Improved function of engines by replacing spark plugs, fuel filters and defective sensors.
• Identified worn out or damaged parts that needed replacement.
• Rewired ignition systems, lights and instrument panels.
• Checked vehicle mileage and determined necessary belts, fluids flushing or gasket replacements.
• Maintained records of work orders and service reports for each job.
• Welded broken frames or structural members as needed.
• Lubed chassis components such as steering linkages, universal joints and suspension systems.

• Cleaned out barns, stalls, pens, and other animal enclosures on a regular basis.
• Organized storage areas for harvested crops.
• Perform or assist in performing breeding activities of farm animals.
• Assisting the labourers on the farm with general farm duties
• Dipping the cattle to control lice and pests.
• Branding of Cattle,Tagging cattle and sheep, Dehorning and burning of cattle
• Feed livestock and clean and disinfect their pens, cages, yards, and hutches
• Examine animals to detect symptoms of illnesses or injuries and administer vaccines to protect animals from diseases
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• Followed maps and GPS systems to promptly complete tasks.
• Performed routine maintenance on harvester machinery, including oil changes, lubrication, and blade sharpening.
• Directed and monitored work of casual and seasonal help during planting and harvesting.
• Repaired and maintained farm vehicles, implements and mechanical equipment
• Informed farmers or farm managers of crop progress.