Farming techniques powering Dean’s 100-tonne success

Dean Barnard, a crop farmer from George in the Western Cape, has been working alongside his father on Waboomskraal farm for 19 years, taking over operations eight years ago. The family farm, Oppie Plaas Boerdery, is one of only seven hops farms in Africa, exclusively supplying Castle and Castle Lite.Under Barnard’s leadership, the farm also produces plums, achieving remarkable yields, including a 2023 Autumn Treat plum harvest of nearly 100 tonnes per hectare.Since taking the reins, he has driven innovation with new irrigation technology and expanded their orchards and hops production.Tune in to hear how his passion for farming and his commitment to sustainable practices have made Oppie Plaas Boerdery a top contender in the agricultural industry.