Agricultural Route

Piet Retief supports a diverse farming community . Forestry plays a very important role and large areas have been planted Eucalyptus, Wattle and Pine. Maize and soya beans are the main crops planted in summer. A number of more intensive operations also exists in the area such as dairies, pigs, poultree and vegetable farming.

Two modern routes can be visited on our agricultural route. At Lodewykslust Estate a modern Dairy can be viewed. Yogurt, Gouda and Cheddar cheese and some real specialities are supplied to local supermarkets and cafes.Apart from its dairy activities Lodewykslust Estate also runs a Santa Gertrudis Beef herd and also grows maize and timber.

The next visit can be made to Dusk to Dawn  on the farm Wagendrift. This is a modern diverse farm with five different enterprises.The main operation is a large piggery with more than 5000 pigs. 500 ha of maize are grown to feed the pigs and dairy herd of 150 cows. A commercial beef herd utilizes the natural grazing and overwinters on maize stover and foggaged kikuyu pastures. The fith operation envolves the 250 ha Eucalyptus grandis (gum) plantations felled mainly for the mining and paper and pulp industries.

Handmade embroidery made by local Zulu women on the farm Wagendrif can also be viewed by prior arrangement.

Agriculrure route for Piet Retief, Mpumalanga South Africa