Setjhaba Ramabenyane is not one to romanticize farming. He knows all too well how quickly hope can dry up under drought-stricken skies, and how fast markets can close when Foot-and-Mouth Disease strikes.
But it is precisely in these testing seasons that this grain and livestock farmer based in Bloemfontein, Free State chooses to turn to collaboration.
“Collaboration in agriculture turns individual challenges into shared solutions. By working together, farmers don’t just survive difficult seasons, they build stronger, more sustainable businesses for the future,” Ramabenyane says.
Born and raised in Botshabelo, Ramabenyane turned to agriculture after completing a non-agricultural qualification at the University of the Free State. He admits this path might never have unfolded had he not moved in with his grandparents, where his grandfather’s deep involvement in livestock farming ignited his interest in animal production.
In 2020, he enrolled at Glen College of Agriculture, completing a Diploma in Animal Production and serving as SRC Treasurer for two years before becoming President in his final year. He later obtained an Advanced Diploma and a Postgraduate (Honours) Diploma in Agricultural Management from the Central University of Technology.
Building a commercial farming operation
Today, Ramabenyane farms soya, maize and sunflower across 220 hectares, alongside a Bonsmara cattle and Meatmaster sheep operation. Yet like many commercialising farmers, his greatest hurdle was never ambition, but access to funding and knowing how to navigate the system to unlock it.
“Accessing funding is one thing, but understanding the process is another challenge altogether,” he explains.
That turning point came when he partnered with Unity Agri and the Agricultural Development Agency (AGDA). With their support, Setjhaba developed a formal business plan that brought clarity, structure and direction to his operation.
“The business plan helped me understand my business better, especially where the weaknesses were,” he says. “It made planning easier and clearly showed where the business is and where it’s going.”
From planning to funding and growth
With that foundation in place, formalisation became the catalyst for securing funding through the Land Bank. When the grant was approved, it marked a significant milestone. “It meant I could plant, grow my business and work towards increasing the hectares I cultivate.”
The funding is now channelled into essential inputs such as seed, fertiliser and crop protection chemicals, strengthening both production capacity and long-term sustainability. Beyond the financial boost, the process itself instilled confidence, sharpened financial projections and enabled more informed decision-making.
Beyond expanding his footprint, Setjhaba is embracing technology to gain deeper insight into land potential, crop suitability and yield projection. These tools he says will allow him to farm with greater precision and foresight.
Looking ahead, Setjhaba plans to expand his operation to 1 000 hectares, diversify into agri-tourism and game farming, and deepen his social impact. He regularly hosts students for work-integrated learning and prioritises employing community members during peak seasons.
