Lize Marié du Toit knows what it takes to be a farmer’s wife. “You must be strong enough for the difficult times, soft enough to take in every little lamb, patient enough to know that the livestock will get out while you’re on your way to church, ambitious enough to continue making new plans, and friendly enough so that your neighbours always feel free to phone you.”
With a degree in BSc (Agric) with agricultural economics, food science and financial management as main subjects, she is not only a sound board for her husband ... she is also a very important decision-maker on the farm.
It is, therefore, no surprise that Lize Marié was one of the finalists in this year’s Bayer Boervrou van die Jaar competition.
Lize Marié’s farm, Nooitgedacht, is located in the Overberg district near Bredadorp where they farm with wheat, barley, canola and Dohne Merino sheep.
However, her involvement in agriculture extends far beyond their farm. She is also the regional manager of the Milk Producers Organisation in the Western Cape where she lends a helping hand to around 320 milk farmers, providing training for farm workers, sharing valuable information and much more. Through her involvement in this organisation as well as her social media platforms, she is able to fulfil one of her dreams – to empower and promote the milk industry as a whole.
Apart from all the roles she already fulfils, she also wears the hat as a wife and the mother of a beautiful 20-month-old boy. We spoke to Lize Marié about her life on the farm, her challenges and her inspirations.
What do you enjoy most about being a farmer’s wife?
I enjoy living so close to nature. The fresh air, the open spaces and of course the farming community.
You also have your own career. How do you balance the demands of the farm life with your job?
With minimal sleep and a lot of rooibos tea!
When I was little, I used to take part in a lot of different activities, so, I had to learn to prioritise and manage my time from early on. Some days run smoother than other.
To be a farmer’s wife is not easy. What are some of your biggest challenges?
Life on the farm is lovely, but I do think that it is often romanticised on television and people are not always aware of the sacrifices you must make. The farm always comes first, before any other appointments you’ve made, before any holiday you’ve planned or any special occasions. But the biggest challenge is staying positive in challenging times and helping your husband to remain positive.
Describe a typical day on the farm
First thing in the morning we make coffee and tea, and I make breakfast for me and my boy. If my husband is spending the day out on the tractor, I also pack cooler bags with food. Normally, there is a bit of farm admin that must be completed. After that, I start with my job, visiting milk farmers in the Western Cape, attending meetings and doing administration from home. In-between, I also prepare lunch for everyone and then I am back in the bakkie or in front of my computer. In the afternoon, my pressure cooker is my best friend to ensure that I can serve a warm meal in the evening. Then it’s time for dinner, a bath and playtime. When my little boy is asleep, I normally switch on my computer again for a few hours. I then end off my day with tea, chocolate, a television show with my husband or a nice book in bed.
Who or what inspires you? It can be more than one person or even something in nature.
I’ve never really had a role model. We are all so unique. I just try to be the best version of myself each day.
How do you relax?
In the afternoons we go for a walk with our dogs and our little boy. I also enjoy a peaceful day in nature with a book. And of course, rooibos tea and chocolate are always welcome.
What makes you happy?
Nice and beautiful things: chocolates, flowers, pretty food. I also enjoy playing cards or spending time in nature. There is also nothing better than hearing your little one’s giggles in the house.