At just 22 years old, Resego Njoro is the founder of Oarabile Holdings 21, based on a farm in Vereeniging, Gauteng. Here, he manages a thriving agribusiness that produces maize and soya beans and raises livestock.

From his early years working on his father’s farm to establishing his own agribusiness, Njoro’s story reflects the spirit of a young man who is determined to make an impact on South Africa’s agriculture sector.

Lessons from his father

Njoro’s journey into farming began in 2018 when he started working part-time on his father Amos’s farm in the Vaal area in Gauteng. As a boarding school student, his exposure to farming was limited to weekends and holidays. However, even in this brief time, he developed a deep passion for agriculture.

“My interest and passion for agriculture came from my father, who is a first-generation farmer,” explains Njoro. “Learning about it from him inspired me to pursue it further.”

In 2021, after completing his matric, Njoro joined his father’s farm on a full-time basis. It was at this point that Amos recognised that his son had acquired enough knowledge and experience to strike out on his own.

“After finishing school, I envisioned stepping into my father’s business and making the necessary adjustments for growth. However, he encouraged me to start my own company, which led to the establishment of Oarabile Holdings 21,” recalls Njoro.

A vision of growth and sustainability

Oarabile Holdings 21 was officially launched in 2021 and, under Njoro’s leadership, it has quickly evolved into a diverse agribusiness with three distinct divisions: crop production, livestock farming, and agricultural contracting.

The farm operates on 146ha of arable land dedicated to crops like maize and soya beans, and an additional 40ha of grazing land for sheep and cattle.

“Crop farming is my primary enterprise and livestock is secondary,” he says. “I grow maize and soya beans because they are well suited to our climate and have strong market demand. As for the livestock, I chose sheep and cattle based on market needs and my own preferences.”

He sells his crop yields to major companies like Senwes and Unigrain, while the livestock is sold through private buyers and auctions.

Diversification, according to Njoro, is a crucial aspect of his business model.

“These choices align with my goals of ensuring sustainable practices, contributing significantly to the economy, and enhancing food security in South Africa,” he adds.

A practical approach

Unlike many of his peers, Njoro’s approach to farming has been largely practical thanks to the hands-on experience he gained farming with his father.

“Over the years, however, I enrolled at agricultural institutions like Lemang Agricultural Services and other private institutions offering short courses.”

This theoretical and practical learning, combined with the mentorship of his father, have given Njoro the foundation he needed to run a successful farm.

“I’m fortunate to have my father as a mentor. His years of agricultural experience have been invaluable, and it’s a great honour to share this journey with him. I’ve also received valuable contributions from others through knowledge transfer. As the saying goes, knowledge is power,” he says.

Overcoming obstacles

Njoro has faced several challenges as a young farmer, the most significant being access to land and funding. “A lack of funding and access to sufficient land were initial challenges,” he admits.

“However, I secured a lease from my father for the land in Vereeniging, as well as leases from other farm owners for their arable land they weren’t using, and this helped me overcome these obstacles.”

Despite these early hurdles, Njoro remained focused on his goals, and his determination paid off. The farm has grown steadily, and the addition of the livestock division in 2023 has further strengthened the business.

“Having been fortunate enough to start with a solid foundation, the growth has been consistent, as seen in the crop yields and the recent addition of the livestock division within the enterprise,” he notes.

Innovation and dedication

In an industry where innovation is essential for survival, Njoro has embraced modern farming practices to stay ahead of the curve.

“Practising precision farming and utilising reputable and recommended inputs and tailored solutions from various experts set me apart from other young farmers,” he explains.

Precision farming involves using technology to monitor crop and soil conditions in real time, allowing farmers to optimise their use of water and fertiliser, for example. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances crop yields.

For Njoro, technology is not just a tool but a vital component of sustainable farming.

“Technology and sustainability will play crucial roles in the future of farming, and their impact is already evident today,” he says.

“Advances in technology – such as precision agriculture, smart irrigation systems, and data analytics – will enhance efficiency, optimise resource use, and improve crop yields.”

His commitment to sustainability extends beyond the use of technology, as he is also focused on reducing the environmental impact of his farming practices by conserving water and maintaining soil health.

“Together, these elements can help farmers adapt to climate change, meet the growing demand for food, and ensure long-term agricultural resilience.”

Achievements and recognition

Despite his youth, Njoro has already achieved recognition for his work in the sector. In September, he collected awards for Best Commercial Producer, Best Commercial Producer Overall Winner, and Grain Division Winner at the Gauteng 2024 Women and Young Entrepreneurs Awards.

He is quick to acknowledge the support of his team and his father, who have been instrumental in his success.

“I’m also really grateful to my father for being a great mentor; these awards show I’m following well in his footsteps. And a big thanks to my hard-working team; this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

While Njoro has achieved a lot, he is also aware of the broader challenges facing South Africa’s agriculture sector.

“Stock theft, climate change, and lack of funding are closely linked issues,” he explains.

“Stock theft affects farmers and the broader economy, causing significant setbacks. Climate change can be equally devastating; adverse weather in recent seasons has led to substantial losses.”

The financial strain of farming is another major challenge. “Farming is an expensive endeavour,” he says.

“A single bad season can set you back or even force you out, making it challenging to secure funding for future efforts.”

Despite these issues, Njoro remains optimistic about the future of agriculture in South Africa.

As someone who has navigated the challenges of starting a farm from scratch, Njoro has valuable words of wisdom for other young people considering careers in agriculture.

“My advice to them is to go for it with a clear purpose. It’s not as easy as it looks, but it does get better with time. Be patient, trust the process, and you will reap the rewards of your hard work,” he says.

Goals for the future

Looking ahead, Njoro has ambitious plans for the future of Oarabile Holdings 21. “Several sources have advised me to dream big, and that’s what I do,” he says.

“Scaling up the grain division to the 1 000ha range with consistent growth is one of my plans. I also aim to become a major, if not the only, contractor in the field with the capacity to operate across all of South Africa’s central provinces.”

Beyond expanding his own farm, Njoro is also committed to contributing to the country’s broader agriculture sector.

“I plan to do so by being a consistent producer, which will help to enhance food security in South Africa,” he explains. “My goals include empowering other farmers, creating employment opportunities, supporting sustainability, and providing for those who are less fortunate.”

Email Resego Njoro at [email protected].

@farmersweeklysa At just 22 years old, Resego Njoro is the founder of Oarabile Holdings 21, in Vereeniging, Gauteng. Here, he manages a thriving agribusiness that produces maize and soya beans and raises livestock. Visit farmersweekly.co.za to read more about his farming journey. #FarmersWeeklySA #agriculturetiktok #farmingsouthafrica #youngfarmer #cropfarmer #diversifiedfarming #livestock #farmersday #awardwinningfarmer ♬ original sound – Farmer’s Weekly SA