Michael Van Schalkwyk
Nelspruit
Summary
Knowledgeable Avocado & Macadamia Nut Farm Manager with 41 years of experience in the industry. Excellent interpersonal, communication and multitasking abilities. Knowledgeable about Global Gap Compliance, SIZA Social and Environmental compliance keeping farm, machinery and buildings in peak condition.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Farm Manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Richmond Estate
Nelspruit, South Africa
10.2013 - Current
- Managed daily farm operations, including planting and harvesting, to sustain high productivity levels.
- Developed and maintained budgets for farm operations, optimising costs to enhance profitability.
- Supervised farm workers, delegating tasks and monitoring performance to ensure achievement of operational goals.
- Managed irrigation systems, ensuring optimal water usage and supporting harvest throughout the season.
- Tracked and recorded information in farm systems for future process reviews and improvements.
- Fostered a positive working environment, motivating staff and encouraging professional development.
- Demonstrated working techniques, practices and optimal safety behaviours to workers, maximising performance and reducing wasteful processes.
- Checked and maintained tools and machinery, repairing and replacing to keep operations in good working order.
- Purchased machinery and supplies and replaced out-of-stock items at cost-effective prices to keep operations running.
- Recorded detailed farm activity logs, keeping accurate records for compliance and operational analysis. Global Gap Compliance, Siza Social and Environmental compliance.
- Adapted farming strategies in response to weather conditions, minimising potential losses.
- Monitored plant health and soil conditions, applying treatments to prevent disease and pest infestation.
- Identified pests, weeds and plants to determine the appropriate selection of pesticides and fertilisers.
- Sprayed insecticides over trees to minimise insects damaging produce.
- Detected and controlled agricultural and forest environmental toxins, weeds and pests by spraying pesticides and insecticides.
- Conducted financial planning and budgeting to manage farm expenses and investments effectively.
- Led farm tours and educational workshops, sharing knowledge on agricultural practices with visitors.
Farm Manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Self Employed with Partnership Agrilink
Nelspruit, South Africa
10.2011 - 02.2023
Farm Manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Dunn Roman Africa Pty (Ltd)
Nelspruit
10.2011 - 02.2013
Farm Manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Dunn Roman Africa Pty (Ltd)
Nelspruit, South Africa
09.2007 - 09.2011
Farm manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Dr Deetlefs
Nelspruit, South Africa
09.1997 - 09.2007
Farm Manager & Owner Richmond Plaas
Self Employed
Nelspruit, South Africa
04.1985 - 09.1997
Education
Higher National Diploma - Agricultural
Lyceum College
Johannesburg01-1980
Matric
VORENTOE HIGH SCHOOL
Johannesburg01-1979
Skills
- Irrigation management
- Budget management
- Agricultural compliance
- Staff training and recruitment
- Machinery maintenance
- Farm equipment maintenance
- Irrigation system operation
- Pesticide application
- Weed and pest control
- Pest control awareness
- Soil fertility understanding
- Tree planting
- Environmental awareness
- Resource allocation
- Process optimization
- Staff supervision
- Staff training and recruitment
- Problem solving
- Troubleshooting skills
- Quality control commitment
- Effective time management
- Documentation skills
- Agribusiness management
- Avocado & Macadamia nut farming operation
- Welding and carpentry
- Environmental awareness
Languages
Afrikaans
Proficient
C2
English
Proficient
C2
Interests
- Water Ski
- Tennis
- Watching Formula One & Superbikes
Timeline
Farm Manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Richmond Estate
10.2013 - Current
Farm Manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Self Employed with Partnership Agrilink
10.2011 - 02.2023
Farm Manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Dunn Roman Africa Pty (Ltd)
10.2011 - 02.2013
Farm Manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Dunn Roman Africa Pty (Ltd)
09.2007 - 09.2011
Farm manager Richmond Plaas & Berg Plaas
Dr Deetlefs
09.1997 - 09.2007
Farm Manager & Owner Richmond Plaas
Self Employed
04.1985 - 09.1997
Higher National Diploma - Agricultural
Lyceum College
Matric
VORENTOE HIGH SCHOOL