Lucentlands Podcast | Episode 61: Kallie Schoeman: Diversification & Empowering New Farmers

In this insightful episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Kallie Schoeman, the CEO of Schoeman Group and a third-generation farmer with 50 years of experience in agriculture. Kallie shares his unique perspective on what it takes to run a multi-generational farming business, the importance of diversification, and the future of farming in South Africa.Kallie opens up about the Schoeman Group's wide-reaching agricultural ventures, including farming soybeans and maize in Delmas, a citrus operation in Groblersdal, and pecan nuts and export lucerne farming along the Orange River. He explains how diversification has been key to the business's resilience, especially in an unpredictable market. Kallie highlights his company's involvement in supplying baked beans for two famous brands through contract farming, which also supports 150 farmers across four provinces.One of the most important aspects of this episode is Kallie's discussion on empowering new-era farmers. Through his "Zamukele" program, Kallie and his team work closely with small-scale farmers to help them grow small white beans, offering market access, training, and resources to ensure these farmers thrive in the agricultural sector. The program is not only a story of transformation but also an example of how agriculture can uplift communities.In addition to diversification, Kallie discusses the increasing demand for plant-based proteins, such as pecan nuts, and how Schoeman Group has embraced this trend by focusing on sustainable farming practices with minimal chemical intervention. He also touches on the global demand for lucerne, particularly from China, where it plays a crucial role in the dairy industry.Throughout the episode, Kallie emphasizes the role of family and the importance of mentoring the next generation of farmers. He reflects on the challenges and opportunities in South African agriculture, offering insights into how farmers can adapt to a rapidly changing environment, including technological advancements and market shifts.Kallie's optimism about the future of agriculture in South Africa is inspiring. He shares his thoughts on the recent political landscape changes and how these shifts are opening up new opportunities for collaboration and growth in the sector. His belief that farmers can be the architects of their own environments resonates throughout the episode.If you're interested in agriculture, sustainability, and community empowerment, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge from one of South Africa’s most experienced farmers. Kallie’s reflections on his half-century journey in farming, his approach to diversification, and his vision for the future are both insightful and motivating. Key Topics Discussed: •Kallie Schoeman's 50 years in farming and his multi-generational family business •The importance of diversification in agriculture, including citrus, grains, pecan nuts, and export lucerne •The "Zamukele" program: empowering new-era farmers and transforming communities •The growing global demand for plant-based proteins and sustainable farming practices•The challenges and opportunities in South African agriculture, including market access and technological innovations •The future of agriculture and the role of the next generation of farmers Whether you're a farmer, entrepreneur, or just curious about the future of food production, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Find Schoeman Group here:https://www.schoemangroup.co.za/ Listen and Subscribe: Stay updated with the latest episodes of the Lucentland Podcast by subscribing on YouTube and Spotify. Don't forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts on this episode! Follow us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/