In 1999, Dewald te Water made a decision that would not only change his own life but also reshape the landscape of agriculture and business. With a few sheep and a grand vision, Dewald and his brother Billy, laid the foundation for an incredible success story that ultimately crowned him as the National Farmer of the Year at the 2023 Agricultural Writers SA Awards. Agri Mpumalanga takes pride in having been part of the comprehensive visit alongside the Agricultural Writers Association in Trichardt and Bethal over the course of two days in March. Dewald’s journey began with sheep on a 1200-hectare farm, but he quickly expanded his horizons. He utilised every opportunity that came his way and soon acquired an additional 800 to 900 hectares of leased land. In 2002, they purchased additional land in the Bethal region. After this expansion, Dewald saw the opportunity to purchase a TLB and tipper to assist in covering monthly costs. This decision gave their business new momentum, and within a short time, he was able to expand his truck fleet to 10 vehicles. Dewald further saw the opportunity to diversify his business by venturing into construction and manufacturing. The establishment of a brick factory in 2006 was a clear beacon of his innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities. However, the road to success was not without its challenges, it was Dewald’s entrepreneurial mindset that truly set him apart. Dewald seized an opportunity to supply tar for roadworks in the region. Despite setbacks, such as the unexpected closure of his tar supplier after securing the contract, Dewald refused to give up. Instead, he took matters into his own hands, initiating tar manufacturing on his own premises. This bold move not only bolstered the farm’s financial stability but also paved the way for the possibility of diversification, which provided them the opportunity of cattle farming. He now has a very successful commercial Bovelder cattle herd, that led to his Hirsaw Livestock stud. With each success, Dewald te Water not only built a reputation as an outstanding entrepreneur but also became a prominent leader in the agricultural and business community. His decision-making is always swift and effective, with an immense ability to manage risks. In 2012 – 2013 they opened another brick factory and expanded the construction side of business with earthmoving equipment rentals, followed by ready-mix concrete plants. His remarkable entrepreneurship not only impacted himself but also the communities around him. With 600 to 650 permanent staff, Dewald makes a significant economic contribution. Dewald further expanded the business on his farm to include a popcorn factory, as well as a factory that produces puff chips, porridge, and soya mince – which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology obtained locally from Potchefstroom. When Sasol ceased fertiliser production in 2016, Dewald capitalised on the opportunity to establish a fertiliser factory, Constantia Fertiliser, serving as the intermediary between TWK and the customer. Dewald expanded his agricultural business in 2021 with the production and distribution of silage, now known as Exact Silage, using compacting technology sourced from Norway. This initiative exemplifies his innovative approach to maximizing the farm’s resources. Above all, Dewald te Water remains a man of integrity with a passion for quality. His focus on delivering high-quality products and services distinguished him as a true leader in the agricultural industry. Today, we stand in admiration of Dewald te Water, a farmer, a businessman, and an inspiration to us all. He is a true icon of South African agriculture.
