When well-respected Sasolburg farmer Tharina Terblanche fell in love with the latest combine harvester from Fendt, she turned to Bronwyn Cilliers, General Manager of Valtrac in Parys, to procure Fendt IDEAL 7 and Fent IDEAL 8 to maximise productivity on her soya bean and maize operation. A qualified mechanical engineer, Bronwyn oversees a family business that imports and distributes tractors and agricultural implements.
Both women have forged a unique path for themselves in the traditionally male-dominated farming community. In celebration of Women’s Day, AGCO Africa talks to Tharina and Bronwyn about their careers, the challenges they have faced, what keeps them passionate about agriculture, and how the latest technology from Fendt is pioneering ‘smart’ farming in the industry.
“International Women’s Day has been established to give credit to women all over the world, with South Africa further reinforcing this important day on 9 August. Women have worked, and some still work, under the pressure of being female. It is our responsibility to make women exercise the opportunities they have in this world,” says Tharina.
She was born and raised on the same family farm she owns today and where she started farming on her own as a woman in 1987. Since then, she has grown her farm substantially from 1 200 ha to over 7 500 ha of arable land to date.
Bronwyn Cilliers, General Manager of Valtrac
Bronwyn, on the other hand, grew up on a dairy farm. “If you have a dairy farmer as a father, you grow up being around animals and farm implements,” she says. She never thought farming would be a career option. “I focused on my studies and obtained my engineering degree.”
However, after she started her own family, Bronwyn realised what value the agricultural industry had to offer in terms of community and business. “After more than ten years in the business, I have not looked back once. Agriculture is not an easy industry to be in and poses many challenges. You need to know what you are talking about. If you do not, ask as many questions until you fully understand what is going on.”
Tharina says she did not grow up with the idea that men and women are innately different. “It was never hard for me to be a woman in a man’s world,” she explains. She has four brothers and even played rugby with them as a child.
Even in a male-dominated industry like farming, Tharina did not feel out of place, although she admits she had to work a bit harder sometimes to be acknowledged. “I always gave it my all, and by giving it my all I was accepted.”
Her message to women contemplating a similar career path is to have determination and simply persevere. “Yes, it is hard. It was hard for me, too. Nevertheless, just keep going. At the end of the day, all you can do is believe and trust in yourself.”
Bronwyn’s advice to women contemplating a career in the agricultural industry is, firstly, to find out what it is about and where their interest and passion lies. “If you find it is truly where your heart is, learn as much as you possibly can. If you cannot go to university or college, do your own research.”
She concludes: “Knowledge is power. If you know what is going on, then you will have the self-confidence to stand up for yourself and be heard. People will then listen to you and respect you. This will make your way forward that much easier.”
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The Article was featured on:
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- Pro Agri [Click Here]
- Maroela Media [Click Here]
- Pro Agri Media [Click Here]
- South Africa Today [Click Here]
- Pro Agri [Click Here]
About Fendt
Fendt is the leading hi-tech brand within the AGCO Corporation for customers who demand nothing but the best quality from machines and services. Fendt tractors and harvesting machines work around the globe, both on professional farms and in non-agricultural applications. Customers benefit from innovative technology to improve performance, efficiency and profitability. Using resource-friendly solutions from Fendt helps farmers and contractors worldwide to work in a sustainable way.
At its German sites in Marktoberdorf, Asbach-Bäumenheim, Hohenmölsen, Feucht, Waldstetten and Wolfenbüttel, AGCO employs around 6 000 people in the areas of Research & Development and Sales & Marketing as well as Production, Service and Administration.
www.fendt.com/za, www.fendt.tv, www.facebook.com/fendtSouthAfrica, www.youtube.com/FendtTV, www.instagram.com/fendt.global
About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio including core brands like Challenger®, Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®. Powered by Fuse® smart farming solutions, AGCO’s full line of equipment and services helps farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of $9.1 billion in 2020. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com
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AGCO Africa Contact
Robert Keir
Brand Marketing Communications Specialist
082 349 7441
Robert.Keir@agcocorp.com
www.agcocorp.com