J.J. de Nysschen, crowned the 2023 Agri Limpopo and Toyota Young Farmer of the Year, attributes his career choice to his upbringing in a farming household. His operations, spanning 250ha in the Letsitele valley, predominantly focus on citrus, including oranges, Star Ruby pomelos, and lemons, with lemons occupying approximately 25ha.
De Nysschen has a preference for the Genoa lemon variety due to its bushier tree form and nearly seedless fruit. The farm also produces Turkish, Midnight, and late-season Valencia oranges.
Beyond citrus, de Nysschen diversifies with broiler production, cattle, and game farming, stating, "One needs to diversify to spread the risk. Although citrus will remain the main focus, the broilers, cattle, and game farming, to a lesser extent, help to spread the risk as well as provide a steady income throughout the year."
His facility, equipped with a modern six-line packing operation, exports around 500,000 cartons annually to European markets, achieving an approximate 90% packout percentage.
Source: farmersweekly.co.za