One of the finalists in the 2024 Bayer Boervrou van die Jaar competition in the category: Vrou wat boer (Woman farmer), was Telana Otto. Telana farms in the Free State on the farm Uitkyk near Bultfontein. As part of the Johtel Farm (Pty) Ltd, she runs the Anana Kalahari Reds and Goat stud and a Bonsmara herd. We spoke to Telana about her childhood, her decision to farm, her inspiration and the challenges she face.
Who is Telana?
I am the daughter of the King – I make Him proud. In his eyes I am good enough, even if I don’t always feel I am, and He loves me very much.
Telana is originally from Edenville – a small town between Kroonstad and Heilbron in the Free State – where her mother was the manager at the Senwes co-op and her father a teacher. She spent her school career in Hennenman and says that her childhood was blessed. “I was a balanced child at school, in the top 10 academically, a national athlete and played netball. After school I joined Future Flyers in Jet Park near Kempton Park and completed my air hostess diploma. Thereafter, I worked for Solanta Aviation. I loved it. During this time, I met my now husband Johan and decided to go back home. I struggle to sit still and initially worked at Fire-Quip in Welkom as a safety representative. Johan and I were married in 2019 and our little girl was born in 2023.
Why did you decide to farm?
Farming runs in my veins. My grandfather’s parents farmed with Dorpers. Although my dream was to become a vet, it wasn’t to be, but ... I married a farmer. Abba blessed me with the ability to farm, but He also put people in place to help and teach me the ropes. That is the reason why I called my stud Anana. It means: “God-given”.
Tell us about your biggest challenges.
It is definitely not easy to farm. One of my biggest challenges is to adapt to our unpredictable climate conditions. This teaches me to remain positive and patient and not allow negativity to get a hold on me.
Farming has many challenges. Animals that don’t perform, mortality, crop losses, problems with workers and more. I take things in my stride and tackle every obstacle as it occurs. Good things take time. When I look at my stud I am faced with challenges on a daily basis. Workers that stay away, animals that die despite the effort to keep them alive, breeding that doesn’t go according to plan and often took years to perfect. But we are only human and therefore I try and have the right attitude towards every challenge.
Describe a typical day on your farm.
My tasks never end. I get up at 05:30, do Bible study and plan my day. After breakfast I check on all the animals and see to all additional tasks. Lambing season is especially busy on the farm. Then I run after my little one who wants to climb onto everything. After lunch we continue with the rest of the work and at 16:00 we feed the animals and check them again. And these are only some of the things I do every day!
What or who inspires you?
The first person that comes to mind is my mother. She is the personification of the woman described in Proverbs 31. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” My mother makes the best of every situation. Her words were always: “Your attitude determines how well you do something or look at it. You have the choice to decide. Is your glass half empty of half full? Don’t let the past or expectations of the world define you.”
My husband inspires me as well. His presence motivates me to give my best so that I can make him proud. He has taught me to be patient and not to worry about tomorrow. His personality and the person he is, is contagious. He shows so much love and sincerity. Every day he teaches me about my life and farming. He supports me and helps me to see that we can do everything through Christ. He is an example of hard work.
What characteristics do you need to be a successful farmer?
You must believe in yourself and be able to stay motivated. Have the right attitude, because that determines how you tackle something. Be patient, hardworking and happy ... and enjoy it. It is a privilege. And lastly: Never give up!
Any advice to other women who want to farm?
Firstly, determine what you want to achieve and do your research. Stay positive and see every challenge as an opportunity to improve. It doesn’t matter where you come from, you can make something out of nothing. Look at what you have at your disposal and determine the need in your area. Even if you do the same as someone else – competition is always good. You will make mistakes, but that is how you learn and grow.
How do you manage to be a farmer but also a mother and wife and more?
It’s important to find a healthy balance. You cannot be everything to everybody. I always try to be sympathetic and to show empathy towards others. I plan and prioritise and always try to spend quality time with my husband and child. I show them that I care and love them.
My workers have the confidence to talk to me about anything and they know that I will always try and help and support them. The more serious cases we refer to a professional who then handles it on our behalf.
How do you relax?
My husband says that the word “relax” is not part of my vocabulary. I cannot sit still. To be busy is my way of relaxing. I like jogging, cleaning the house, baking, spending time with the animals, a picnic in the veld ... it’s all my relaxation.
What makes you happy?
Happiness to me is to be satisfied, have peace and joy. It makes me happy to see that the people around me are happy and that they are well. Friends around a table where we eat and laugh together. To do something for someone and see how happy it makes them. To walk amongst the animals and to see that they are healthy. To get up every morning and realise that Abba loves me and has blessed me to spend another day as an instrument in his Creation and to be an example to my family and friends.
What difference do you make through your work as farmer?
I create jobs to motivate and inspire young girls and women to follow their dreams and passions – no matter the scale of your farming enterprise. I also contribute to improving the goat breed by taking part in shows and auctions, especially as there are so few women out there doing what I do.
What do you enjoy most about farming?
I enjoy the goats the most. They grow on you. They are extremely clever and have a lot of personality. They also give me the opportunity to see new places and meet people.
A final word …
When you look at the value and success of your farm, you realise that it doesn’t matter how much heart and passion you put into your farm. You have to realise that the farm does not only belong to one owner, but to everyone who works alongside you as a team to make sure everything runs smoothly in order to promote the entire farm with all its divisions and thus get the best and most potential out of the farm.
As a woman you must know your worth and the difference you make every day. That is why I want to put myself on the map, so that everybody can see: “Female farmers can!”