Karin is more than just a farmer’s wife. She is a core part of the Silverton farm and an anchor in the Mathews household. Here, on their farm in the Lichtenburg region, she enjoys the open spaces, driving through the fields after it has rained or sitting in the combine with her husband and son after harvesting.
This year, on the 13th of September, Karin was announced as the winner of the Bayer Boervrou van die Jaar 2024 competition in the farmer’s wife category. Even though she did not grow up on a farm, she has grown to love the farming life. Her husband, Derek, and their son, Michael John, farm with mixed crops and livestock while Derek is also involved in organised agriculture.
Karin has taken it upon herself to handle the day-to-day administration on the farm, to allow her husband and son to focus their attention on the other farming activities. Her husband’s involvement in organised agriculture often requires him to work away from home. In these times, Karin, together with her son, takes over the reins on the farm ensuring that the wheels keep on turning.
Apart from her role on the farm, she is also a rock in her community. Karin is actively involved with the Emmaus movement where she serves as the secretary of the South African board. We spoke to Karin about her earlier years, her role as a farmer’s wife and her love for the farm.
Who is Karin?
I grew up in Johannesburg – not a "plaasmeisie" at all. I attended Potchefstroom High School for Girls where I became best friends with my future sister-in-law! After school, I completed my 4-year Diploma in Education at the Johannesburg College of Education. I taught until our eldest daughter was born and after that I helped out when a teacher was needed at our local primary school. Even though we knew each other, Derek and I only started dating after school. I asked him to go to a 21st birthday party with me, and as they say: “the rest is history”! We have now been married for 38 years.
You are also involved with the administration of the farm. Please elaborate on what your role entails?
I think the public at large has a romanticised view of what farming is all about. Many people think it's a peaceful life without stress. You don't really work; everything just happens by itself! The reality is that it's the same as running any business. Neither Derek nor Michael John enjoy admin, so that’s my responsibility. I must keep an eye on the finances so that Derek and Michael John don't spend too much! Derek is also very involved in organised agriculture, so I try to help him with the planning of his diary as well.
H4: You have a church on the farm where you host a service twice a month. Tell me a bit more about this. How did you get involved with this initiative?
We can't take the credit for the church on the farm. Derek's grandfather built the church in 1959. As a young man, in 1918, he was a cheese maker in Natal and there was a little church on the farm in the Ladysmith district where the community worshipped and he vowed to build a church on Silverton on his return. This, however, never happened. In 1959, Derek's grandfather had a serious accident which he survived and the doctor's words to him were: "Don't think it's me, it's God". After his recovery he built the church as a token of God's love and mercy. The Methodist Minister from Lichtenburg came to preach/deliver a service once a month. This arrangement carried on for many years, but unfortunately came to an end. There was a long period that the church was not used regularly, but the younger generation has now rekindled the purpose of the church and today it brings the community closer together. We have two services a month.
To be a farmer’s wife is not an easy task. What are some of the biggest challenges you face?
We live in an area with a low rainfall and in the 38 years we have been married and even before that, there have been many dry years. We experienced a serious drought this last season. It is challenging to stay positive, but what do they say: "n Boer maak ’n plan!" We must just farm smarter, using the technology and farming practices that are available. Through God's mercy and grace, we have survived and I know with God's guidance we will continue to survive and thrive to build a legacy for future generations.
A more recent challenge is security. To keep your home, sheds, livestock and yard safe comes at a cost. When we first got married, it was also a huge challenge to travel 56 km to town to buy groceries! Luckily a person adjusts and now travelling far distances is not an issue anymore.
Describe a typical day on the farm.
It is a quiet time on the farm. We are now busy with maintenance and tidying up so that we are ready for the planting season. The planting season (October to January) is our busy time with long days and sometimes short tempers! Then we work flat out from sunrise to sunset.
Who or what inspires you? It can be more than one person or even something in nature.
What inspires me is anybody who has overcome a challenge in their life. It makes you realise that your life isn't that hard after all. I recently read a book by Cobus Visser who suffers from haemophilia and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro on crutches. These are the kind of stories that inspire me. On a more personal note - our eldest daughter Gail had cancer as a child and the radiation treatment she received damaged her eye and the bone growth around it. As an adult she chose to have her eye removed and now wears an eye patch, but she has never allowed this to hold her back. She is a successful oncology nurse, a wife and mother who embraces life!
We also have the most beautiful sunsets which just reminds me how great God's creation is!
What characteristics do you need to be a farmer’s wife?
You must be able to adapt and persevere. There will be years that you have to turn every cent over twice - and how you survive is by not buying new cars, going on fancy holidays, purchasing new furniture or going on expensive outings.
You must be supportive even when things don't look good. You must be flexible and patient if your plans are delayed. And, of course, you need a sense of humour.
How do you relax?
I enjoy reading a good book or knitting. I enjoy travelling and hopefully, when Derek is done with organised agriculture we will have time to explore our country and further afield.
Time spent with our children and grandchildren also makes me happy. We try to go on a family outing once a year, but a braai over the weekend is also good!
It is good to have goals and a vision for the future, but it is also important to embrace the moment. To be grateful for the blessings God bestows upon us daily; to embrace the opportunities He gives us and the privileges we enjoy. This makes me happy.