Celebrating female farmers in the Grootvadersbosch Valley

Mirtelize Kreuiter is a passionate entrepreneur on a mission to make her mark in the agricultural world. She is currently making significant changes at the Fleckvieh Guestfarm in our conservancy, while expanding her new self-founded business, Live.Stock. 

Mirtelize grew up in Malmesbury, where she gained exposure to agriculture through her father, who was already in the industry. From a young age, she knew that she had to follow her passion. She recalls writing a letter to her mom at the age of six, where she apologetically explained that when she was older, she was going to work with animals. From there on her path was set. While at school, she worked at various farms and subsequently studied animal sciences at Stellenbosch University. She then travelled to America to complete her honours at an Angus beef ranch. Fast forward a few years and she now manages the Fleckvieh Guestfarm, while running her business -Live.Stock. 

Live.stock assists dairy, beef, and sheep farmers with routine checks, classifications, the building of herds through livestock trading and the insemination of cattle. Live.Stock has presented her with an opportunity to grow in a male-dominated profession. She feels the agricultural industry is restricting for women and often presents an environment where big decisions are left to men. Armed with her fiery passion and determination, she has created her own business, providing her with a space to practice her own knowledge and take charge.










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At Fleckvieh Guestfarm, she is making several changes and has some exciting plans. Firstly, she plans to promote the brand Fleckvieh as she believes the breed is incredibly special. She is attempting to start fresh milk and meat sales from the farm and is also working to build up their Simmental herd with a stud that has been deregistered for sometime. She explained that the stud, Kykso, a Simmental owned by Thys Swart, used to be internationally known. In previous years they exported embryos to Australia, Canada, Europe, and America. She plans to go to shows with him and build up his reputation.

Secondly, in the dairy sector, she has adapted the milking practices on the farm in several ways, including balancing more milking with resting. This has allowed for more calving, which has built up the size of the herd. Her changes began at the start of the year and great progress has already been made. In the future, she plans to build new calf houses and improve grazing camps and irrigation.

Mirtelize Kreuiter is a hard-working farmer, making great strides in a ​male-dominated profession. She is passionate about always ensuring her livestock are happy, healthy, and cared for. We wish her all the best in her business endeavours and the running of Fleckvieh. 

All the images below were taken by Jacques Marais as part of the Silver Mountain Music Festival. 

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