Experience

South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI)

• South Africa
• Research Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Assistant Farm Manager

  • Apr 2022 - Present



South African Sugarcane Research Institute- SASRI

• Technical Team Field Supervisor

  • Mar 2013 - Present

  Responsible for measuring and laying out research trials and undertaking the various operations of these trials which include field preparation, collecting, preparing and planting seedcane, laying out irrigation systems, applying irrigation water, fertilizer, and herbicides, and taking soil, leaf and cane samples.Operating and calibration of sophisticated instrumentation such as the neutron water meter, ceptometer and spray boom to determine soil water content, canopy development and application of chemical ripeners. Responsible for supervising the harvesting of trials, recording yields, taking representative sucrose samples and other measurements as necessary. At harvest, bundle weights are carefully recorded in order to accurately determine final cane yield.Identification, recording and eradicating rogue varieties, and diseased stools in research trials and in the nursery.Accurate recordkeeping of all trial operations and maintaining an orderly filing system.Ensures that all equipment is in a clean and good working condition and reports break downs to the manager.Ensures that after use, all scientific equipment is returned and safely stored in the allocated areas.Standing in for the Research Station Manager in his absence (including making decisions of a non-routine nature) and being available on stand-by after hours.Assisting in the planning and monitoring of field tasks and operations.Addressing employee matters such as handling grievances, disputes, counselling and employee health/ absenteeism matters; distributing information to farm employees, and organizing employee social functions, liaising with Administration and HR where necessary.Assisting with account payments and compiling analysis of expenditure reportsAttending Health and Safety meetings and doing monthly inspections and reportsMotivating the staff to perform their tasks well.



Limpopo Department of Agriculture

• Internship

  • Apr 2011 - Mar 2012

  Conducting weekly farm visits to give advice and evaluate the production process.Advising famers on the quality assurance that the export market expects from them as exporting farmers.Organizing and compiling farmer’s days, trainings, demonstration days and study groups relating to various problem topics.Teaching farmers how to scout for pests and invader species that might hamper their crop’s health.Advising farmers on the correct chemicals to use while eradicating plant pests and diseases.Mediating between farmers and researchers on the problems that they are facing on their farms.Capturing and monitoring fertigation, irrigation scheduling, spraying programmes, global gap compliance and quality management systems.Assisting in couching and training on production, marketing and financial aspects of farming.



University of Limpopo Experimental and Research farm

• Experiential Learning

  • Jan 2009 - Dec 2009

  Responsible for land preparation; planting; topdressing; irrigation; thinning; weed control; pest control; harvesting; packaging and marketing of produces (Analysing the market data and obtain information from relevant market source).Maintenance of farm implements ( tractors, ploughs, irrigation pump and pipes)Responsible for maintenance of agricultural research, collection of data and capturing of data on PC Responsible for records of all farming inputs and out puts of the experimental farm