KwaZulu-Natal Midlands farmers say the rural Middelrus area is hard farming country. Rainfall is low and land claims have staked out nearly all the farming land.
Yet father and son farming team, Alex (81) and Kevin Taylor (44) have been successfully farming beef, sheep and goats here. As AK Taylor & Son, they’ve been partners for 29 years on their Busybend Farm. Their partnership has become highly regarded by the greater agricultural community of nearby Mooi River. The Taylors’ farming roots in Middelrus stretch back an impressive five generations. Alex began his farming career in 1951, producing horses, beef and sheep.
He’s also one of the oldest living members of the Mooi River Farmers’ Association, having joined in 1952. Born and bred in Middelrus, Kevin left school in 1980 and went straight into farming with his father. Together, Alex and Kevin have grown their business to collectively own 1 713ha, and lease 800ha. They run a 1 400-head commercial beef herd, 150 South African Mutton Merino sheep and 300 commercial goats. Also, 7ha of ryegrass and hayfields are baled as supplementary fodder to the natural sweetveld grazing. Middelrus receives an annual average rainfall of about 650mm. “Kevin and I farmed together for 13 years,” says Alex. “But when I reached my 70s, I decided to only do the books. Kevin was quite capable of managing the farm by himself.”
Respect and structure
Mutual respect between father and son may be the key factor that’s kept them farming successfully together. But there are other factors too. “The most important thing to remember is that there can only be one boss of the farm, and whoever is not the boss must accept this,” says Alex. “Farm staff and management practices can’t function at their best if more than one person is giving the orders. Since Kevin took over the running of the farm, only he gives the instructions. But we still discuss and jointly make decisions on any improvements needed to increase production or efficiency.”
Discussion and compromise
Kevin says it’s critical that if either of them has an idea for the farm, they discuss it in detail together before making a final decision. For example, they’ll discuss whether a new implement is really needed, what it will replace or improve, the pros and cons of its use or upkeep, if it’ll generate value for money, and if they can afford it. Only if both Alex and Kevin are satisfied with the answers will the item be bought. “We always make informed decisions and never act rashly,” says Kevin. “We very seldom bump heads over an idea, but when we do struggle to reach a compromise, I’ll take a walk out onto the farm to calm down and think it over. My dad will do the same in his office. After that, we inevitably achieve a workable compromise.”
Debt is a bad legacy
Alex has always planned so that should he suddenly die, he won’t leave Kevin and his family in debt. As far as possible, he and Kevin have always tried to pay cash and in full, for any inputs. Their philosophy is well-known in the area and they’re respected for settling their 30-day accounts on time and in full. The only time they ever take out credit is to buy land to expand the farming business.
“Bank managers don’t like us because they hardly make any money off our business,“ Alex jokes. “We’ve never taken more than six months to pay off a loan against land we’ve bought. “Before buying, we first calculate how many animals will need to be sold to fund the purchase and if we have enough animals to sell. Only then will we agree to spend the money. If we don’t have the money, we’ll wait as long as it takes.
“I still believe in Roman-Dutch law, which says something isn’t yours until it’s paid for in full.” A set financial policy and little or no debt also prevents quarrels over money.
Advice from Alex
Alex says he’s always taking notes about his observations on the farm, including calculating how much stock is needed for the month. As part of the Taylors’ practice of not wasting capital, they ensure there’s little or no stock left at the end of each month. Alex files all of his notes so he can refer back to them at a moment’s notice.
He complains that with the taxman’s newfangled business tax system, he’s had to hire a consultant to do their taxes. But he keeps strict control of payments to and from the business. He’s also keenly aware that their good credit record makes suppliers bend over backwards to keep them as clients.
“If, for example, a tractor breaks down, we can’t afford to have it standing idle,” he explains. “Because we’re good customers, we’re entitled to prompt service, and many of our suppliers provide this for us.“Alex says it’s also important to have friendly relationships with all the people you work with. “I firmly believe a smile, a ‘good morning’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ go a long way towards getting things done. Make a person feel valued, and they will respond in kind.”
Growing with each generation
The farm expansions have only been a means to support the growing Taylor family. As Kevin joined the farming business, married his wife Sue, and had three children, the farm was expanded to support them. His two young sons already look set to join the family business, so the Taylor farm may have to expand again one day. Contact Alex and Kevin Taylor on 033 263 2930. |fw
