Photo: Supplied
Hutton will now represent KwaZulu-Natal at the Toyota SA/Agri SA National Young Farmer of the Year Competition, where he will compete against South Africa’s top young farmers for one of the country’s most prestigious agricultural titles.
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Hutton said he was overwhelmed by the result of the competition.
“I attended [the competition] last year, and it was a big event with over 600 people and at least 50 young farmers. I went this year expecting the same, but when I arrived, it was an intimate luncheon with only a few people, and only two of us finalists. At that point, everything became a blur,” he explained.
He added that he was expecting to clap for another exceptional farmer.
“As farmers we are always keeping our heads down and working all day, so when I realised I had a real chance [of winning], I was overwhelmed. My mom and wife were convinced I was going to win, but my opponent was formidable and he was running a smooth, operation so it came down to the wire.
“He is a crop farmer and I am in dairy; I cannot imagine what it was like for the judges comparing two very different operations.”
Technology is key
Speaking about what sets his operation apart, Hutton said his farm employs a significant amount of technology to ensure efficiency, water and electricity conservation, and environmental awareness.
At the heart of his KiwiCross breed dairy operation is a cutting-edge, satellite-based pasture management system that provides real-time insights into plant stress, grazing efficiency, and water allocation.
“We use a company in Tasmania called Pasture.io, which runs a satellite over our farm about three times a week. This allows us to get a clear picture of the overall wellness of our grass. As a dairy farm, our grass is a huge priority,” he says.
Hutton’s operation is also fully solar-powered, enabling him to continue milking at least once a day in the event of load-shedding or a power outage.
He also uses digital moisture probes, which together with the solar power reduce the farm’s reliance on diesel, ensuring energy efficiency and allowing for targeted, cost-effective irrigation.
Hutton added that all wastewater from the dairy was repurposed for use in dryland maize and kikuyu pastures.
He said his degree in environmental science has played a big role in his operation, which is rooted in the constant improvement of efficiency and reducing impact on the land.
“You have to be conscious of how you treat the land you are given,” he added.
A commitment to South African agriculture
Despite the challenges facing South African agriculture, Hutton said he remained committed to the sector.
After living and working abroad for four years, he returned to his family farm, where he and his wife, Roxy, are raising their three children.
“I have travelled to 18 countries and have never found a place I would rather work and live in than South Africa,” he added.
Hutton also plays an active role in his community and has served on the Ingwe Farmers’ Association Committee for five years, two of which were as chairperson and two as vice-chairperson.
He and Roxy also run Fat Cow Creamery, an artisanal ice cream business that uses milk from their herd, in addition to supplying the local Creighton Valley Cheese Company.
In a statement, Kwanalu CEO Sandy La Marque said the competition continued to reveal the remarkable talent and vision of KwaZulu-Natal’s young farmers, who were not only embracing innovation but also showed an unwavering commitment to agriculture in South Africa.
“Young farmers like Dale [Hutton] embody the resilience, innovation, and leadership that South African agriculture needs to secure its future. His ability to embrace technology while remaining firmly rooted in his community is what sets him apart,” she added.
