SerDev's sustainable reform: A model for transforming agriculture 

Patrick Sekwatlakwatla from the Sernick Group and Jerome Topley from SerDev, a development implementation initiative from Sernick.

Sustainable reform and transformation benefit us all. Private enterprises can assist by guiding and mentoring emerging farmers toward commercially viable agricultural practices. The farmer development company SerDev, an affiliate of the Sernick Group, helps emerging cattle farmers transition into commercial operators, providing the necessary tools, knowledge and support. 

South Africa’s emerging farmers confront a barrage of challenges in their quest for financial independence and success. Hindered by limited resources and knowledge, and the lingering effects of land dispossession, they must overcome several hurdles to provide food security for their communities and the nation.

Private enterprises must be responsible for actively supporting transformation and black economic empowerment within South Africa’s agricultural sector. This obligation extends beyond ensuring food security and fostering economic growth; it plays a vital role in contributing to nation-building and political stability.

"Agriculture can play a major role in economic development and job creation, but we must make land reform work. However, this could not happen without the commercial farmer and the private sector," says Nick Serfontein, chairman of the Sernick Group.

 

An inclusive approach to sustainable agricultural reform

Serdev recognises that successful land reform involves more than handing over a title deed (although it is one of the essential pieces of the puzzle to give black farmers financial independence). It also addresses the various challenges faced by emerging farmers. These include:

Access to knowledge and training: Serdev provides leadership and technical programmes that equip farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to adopt sustainable and productive agricultural practices.
Financial support: When Serdev gets sufficient funding from donors and funding agents for large development programmes, it offers incentives and training to help farmers invest in their operations and overcome financial barriers, like a title deed to use as collateral for business loans. 
Market access: Serdev helps farmers connect with markets to sell their products and generate income, which includes the Sernick feedlot and abattoir.
Access to finance: The biggest hurdle for emerging farmers is securing capital. The Sernick programme bridges this gap by partnering with funding agents such as Absa and the Land Bank to facilitate loans, even for those who lack collateral. These institutions understand the empowerment that the farmers have achieved, being beneficiaries in their ecosystem. This financial injection is crucial for purchasing livestock, improving infrastructure and covering operational costs. SerDev will then assist the institution in mitigating the loan risk by monitoring the farmer for the duration of the loan.

SerDev’s tiered development model: Tailored support for every stage of growth

SerDev’s unique development model employs a tiered approach that caters to farmers at different stages of their journey. This ensures farmers receive the specific support they need to progress and achieve their goals.

Tier 0: Less than ten cattle – Mindshift training to convert farmers from traditional farming to farming viably.

Tier 1: Between 10 and 30 cattle – Livestock Farmer Development: This tier provides essential training and resources in a short course to help farmers improve their livestock management practices and increase productivity.

Tier 2: More than 30 cattle – Accredited NQF course and Value Chain Development: Once farmers have established a foundation, SerDev helps them connect with markets and develop their business skills.

Tier 3: Selected by SerDev and provided with some infrastructure and a rental herd to augment their herds. 

SerDev recognises the interconnectedness of rural communities and works to empower communities, fostering collaboration and shared prosperity. 

SerDev assists in the following domains:

Mentorship and guidance: The programme equips farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Experienced SerDev mentors offer advice on farm management, from animal husbandry to business planning.

Knowledge sharing through partnerships: The programme fosters collaboration between emerging and established farmers. This peer-to-peer learning allows emerging farmers to benefit from the experience and expertise of seasoned professionals, accelerating their knowledge acquisition and improving their decision-making abilities.

Free training and resources: The programme provides access to many educational resources, including free online courses, workshops and expert-led lectures. These resources cover topics relevant to cattle farming, such as animal health, breeding practices, pasture management and financial management.

Livestock and infrastructure support
Upgrading herds: The programme provides Tier 3-farmers high-quality breeding stock from Sernick’s herd. This significantly improves the genetic makeup of their animals, leading to healthier, more productive offspring and, ultimately, increased profitability.
Infrastructure development: The programme understands that efficient farm management relies on the proper infrastructure. They support the essential needs of Tier 3-farmers, such as fencing, watering systems and storage facilities, empowering farmers to operate more effectively. 

Market access and credibility

Premium market access: Through its extensive network of feedlots and retail outlets, Sernick offers emerging farmers access to premium markets for their livestock, ensuring they receive fair animal prices and boosting their income and financial stability. Being associated with a reputable agribusiness like Sernick adds a layer of trust and credibility to emerging farmers’ operations, with the potential to attract more buyers and open doors to new market opportunities.

Focus on sustainability: The programme promotes sustainable farming practices, like rotational grazing and pasture management, ensuring the long-term health of the land and the animals. This commitment to sustainability benefits both the farmers and the environment.

 Advice from stakeholders

Passion and dedication are essential: Success in farming stems from loving what you do. Learn from experienced farmers who emphasise this passion for a long-term commitment.

Empower women: Women are proven high achievers in agriculture. Actively include and empower them in your projects for outstanding results. Start early for maximum impact.

Build alliances: Seek valuable partnerships and mentorships. Collaboration with industry leaders can significantly accelerate growth and impact.

Seek partners, not employers: Choose partnerships that foster independent growth and community development. Look for those who empower and support your endeavours.

Look at the bigger picture: What matters is our country’s and its people’s future – there is no place for egos, petty issues or inferiority complexes. Eliminate favouritism and "isms or dogmas" that do not serve the greater good. Discourage competition for individual recognition and glory; emphasise collective success.

Success requires a collective effort: Successful countries are built by the biblical “sweat of the brows” of their people – loyalty, focus, dedication, sacrifice, hope, honesty and high moral and ethical standards.

Contact
Web: serdev.co.za
Tel: +27 60 965 5004
Email: jerome@sernickgroup.co.za