Going Pecan for Planting Nuts: Former Banker Pursues Her Passion for Farming

• A passionate female pecan nut farmer from the Free Stae province has opened up about her experience in business
• The thriving entrepreneur spent at least 20 years of her life in banking before moving to agriculture
• Speaking exclusively with Briefly News, Mimie Jacobs shared some pearls of wisdom for aspiring female farmers

Mimie Jacobs is the incredible female farmer at the heart and mind of Rosemead farm. The Free State girl has always had a deep love for the countryside encouraged by her late father who himself owned a farm.

After 20 years in the banking industry, Mimie knew it was time for a change and ventured out into the lucrative worlds of lucern, teff and pecan nut farming.

Speaking exclusively with Briefly News, Mimie opened up about the hardships she faced as a woman of colour in business and shared some heartfelt advice for any up and coming female farmers.

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Check out the interesting interview below:

Hi Mimie. Please describe your business, what you farm etc...

"I am a farmer in the Soutpan area producing lucern, teff and planted 9ha pecan trees this year. I also have an import/export licence with the aim to export pecan nuts in 3 years’ time."

What inspired you to get into the farming industry?

"My father has been a farmer of note in the Thaba Patchoa area. I pursued farming after his death in 2014 - I saw agriculture as a business venture, also as an opportunity to participate in the economy and contribute to food security."

What are some of the challenges you face especially as a woman in the business?

"Women always face exploitation, that being worse in the case of any woman of colour. Some service providers would flirt with you and change their behaviour should you not respond to flirtation.

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"We have to work twice as hard to earn the respect of the neighbourhood and co-farmers, but it's all worth the while as I am proving a point to myself, I set the bar, plan my business and pursue those plans."

What advice would you have for any other young women hoping to get into farming?

"Farming is a business, so all the business principles and dynamics are applicable – it should never be underestimated and should therefore be taken seriously.

"The agricultural industry needs young, dedicated women to continue a good legacy – young people are innovative, energetic and daring enough to make it – they need to be consistent however and maintain the drive to succeed."

A passionate man transforms his hardships into a thriving farming business

In more inspiring news, Briefly News previously reported that we appreciate those people who rise up from tough situations and show the world that with a grateful heart and determined spirit anything is possible.

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Chiloane's Story

On our Facebook page, we shared Chiloane's remarkable story and received a big response from those who are impressed by the young man.

In the post, we detailed how the 22-year-old developed a passion for agriculture thanks to his gogo, who taught him how to use land to create a sustainable life. She had a small piece land where she cultivated indigenous crops and this is what the family survived off.

Unfortunately after finishing matric, Chiloane was unable to afford studying further so he turned to farming and used his grandmother's land to help him and his family survive. He used this as an opportunity to grow his farming skills and he eventually opened an agricultural business.

The determined young man had the following to say about his long-term goals:

"My aim is to be an employer one day so that we can reduce unemployment in our country."

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Comments of praise

After sharing the post, it received an incredible response from Mzansi with over 5 000 views, over 140 shares and more than 100 comments. People from every corner of South Africa are sending him massive praise and are proud of his hard work to make a life for himself.

Tlogelang Chiloane:

"Doing very well Motau, wishing you all the best!!! Dilo di makelele ga butši boet."

Carol-Ann Israel:

"Such an uplifting story. Well done."

Molaodi Kgomo:

"You are indeed a star keep it up boy...South Africa needs dedicated and focused youth like you...you are going far.:

Mpho Mathebula:

"Well done boy, I salute you."

Barry Leech:

"Well done young man, hard work always wins through at the end of the day."

Source: Briefly News