One of the finalists in the 2024 Boervrou van die Jaar competition was Janelle Badenhorst. Janelle farms with maize, wheat and vegetables on the farm Mahemsvlakte near Delareyville. We spoke to Janelle about her childhood, her decision to farm, her inspiration and the challenges she face.
Who is Janelle?
I grew up on the farm, Unity, between Delareyville and Vryburg, attended primary school in Vryburg and was at high school in Stella – two small towns in the Northwest Province. After matric I studied alternative medicine and will shortly attain my masters.
Three years ago, I married the guy who always told me I am the woman he is going to marry. We live 60 km, along a dirt road, from my parents. My father-in-law’s farm is situated between Delareyville and Stella. We don’t have children yet, but we have a rescue baboon called Sarie. However, we have been trying to conceive for quite some time and is presently busy with the in vitro fertilisation process.
I am one of three sisters, and we were raised to catch game, ride horses, erect fences and more. Our dad taught us everything (he is a little bit like Rambo) – although, he fears the dark and little dogs that can snap at his heels! He was also the guy who tamed the zebras for the movie “Racing Stripes”. My mom is a teacher, excellent salesperson, good speaker and a boffin on the ride-on mower!
Why did you decide to farm?
Farming runs through my veins. The only difference between me and a town or city dweller is that I was privileged to grow up on a farm and realised at a young age what matters most in life. However, despite being a privilege, life on the farm is not easy. You have to make certain sacrifices, but … I still choose life on the farm without any hesitation. Living on a farm, you are forced to grow up quickly. But I still think farm life is the “better” life.
Tell us about your biggest challenges.
Challenges are part of life and allow us to grow. Problem solving is part of a farmer’s daily structure. It makes us stronger. We adapt and find a way. I can’t name one huge challenge, but there are lots of small challenges to overcome. Never take it personally – it’s part of life. And … “A farmer always makes a plan” (‘n Boer maak ‘n plan)!
Describe a typical day on the farm.
It all depends on the season. I always spend time on my make-up and dress neatly – something my mother taught me – you can be a farmer and still look pretty. Then I communicate the tasks to the workers. I prepare breakfast and start on lunch – it’s important to me to eat healthy. My husband and I have both lost a lot of weight by changing our lifestyle.
My day is spent on the farm alongside my team. At the moment I spend time learning for my pilot’s license. Late afternoon we exercise. Then it’s dinner time, bath and bed … and tomorrow … we do it all again.
Who or what inspires you?
My circle is small, but those close to me means the world. I learn from them daily. These people inspire me:
My dad – because he is courageous, and despite his fears, he doesn’t give up.
My mom – I admire her staying power and how she approaches business.
My younger sister – she is hard working and can literally do everything on the farm.
My husband – he has this amazing ability to delegate and organise.
My father-in-law – his patience and the way he always shows understanding and support.
My late sister – I admire her faith and the way she kept on believing, reminding us of God’s presence in her life - even at the worst of her cancer fight (she died at 26).
My brother-in-law (husband of my late sister) – he remained strong and is an excellent dad to their children.
What characteristics do you need to be a successful farmer?
My list is quite long, but I believe one needs the following:
Faith. Stamina. Positivity. Self-discipline. Financial discipline. Problem-solving skills. Respect. Trustworthiness. Honesty. Agricultural knowledge and to be open to advice from others. Passion. A love for animals and the creation. Adaptability. Good human relations with neighbours and workers. Basic first aid that you can apply to animals and people. And lastly: The ability to defend yourself (security).
Any advice for other women that want to farm?
Don’t be afraid. If the Lord has sown the seed in your heart you don’t have to worry about how the seed will germinate and grow. Simply keep the soil wet and put your trust in Him.
Experience. Learn from other farmers. Get practical experience. Don’t hesitate to ask – start at the bottom.
Challenges. A challenge is not a sign that farming is not for you. Use every challenge to grow to become the farmer you want to be.
Action. Take action to realise your dream. Start small. Start with a little plant in your house. Just start somewhere. Without action your dream will never realise.
You are very busy. How do you manage to get to everything?
I take one day at a time. It doesn’t help to stress about tomorrow. Before I start my day and before I go to sleep, I read my Bible and I pray. I do this every day.
To me every new day is a new opportunity – a gift from God. Some days are more challenging, but in the end, it is such a privilege to be alive. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and ask myself if it is something I can handle. If I cannot control it, I trust that God will show me a way. If it is something I can handle, I start prioritising and find solutions. I am always seeking advice, and it really helps that I don’t feel overwhelmed.
How do you relax?
Being creative and learning new things make me feel relaxed. To do what I love invigorates me. I have to stay busy to relax. I crochet, sew, paint, play guitar, spend time in my vegetable garden or prepare seeds, learn for my private pilot’s license, exercise, drive around on the farm to look at the cattle and sheep, play board games, swim and take photographs.
What makes you happy?
If my loved ones are happy.
To be at home or with my family.
To exercise, because I enjoy being able to move freely.
To always surround myself with people who love me so that I don’t have to face bad times on my own.
What difference do you make as farmer?
I teach people the importance of planting your own food. I love it when neighbours bring their children along to learn about the vegetables and how to plant their own. Some children hate vegetables, but those who visit now eat vegetables. I donate a lot of my vegetables to the community, but also sell fresh produce in my tuckshop – this helps a lot as the nearest town is 35 km away.
Which aspect of farming do you enjoy the most?
That feeling you get when you tell people that the vegetables they are eating were planted by you. It is so therapeutic to work with your hands in the soil.
A final word …
I would not be as successful without the support of my husband. He believed in my dream from the word go. And then, the assistance I get from my father-in-law and the worker who irrigates my crops when I’m away. The community that supports me and buy from me and my neighbours’ support. My mom and dad who taught me about values and sacrifices when you choose farming. To farm is a team effort.