Grethe Bestbier
“Just as important as the best drip or micro-irrigation design, is your relationship with the client. We need to ensure every person in Agrico is fully equipped and also people-orientated”, says Johan Visser, who recently joined Agrico to further its precision irrigation capability.
A veteran of the irrigation industry, Visser started his career in 1968 as one of the first persons to complete the SABI irrigation course. Subsequently, he joined various engineering and irrigation firms until finally, in 1992, he joined the precision irrigation leader Netafim. Here he spent the majority of his professional career as manager of the SADEK countries, encouraging and advancing the use of precision irrigation practises across the continent, before joining the Agrico team in 2022.
“I’ve had a very interesting career in irrigation which has introduced me to various people, which is wonderful”, says Visser. “I value the people that cross my path and am passionate about making a difference in their lives. The most important thing is always communication. We need to respect each other and walk away as friends at the end of every conversation.”
His new role at Agrico will involve encouraging and advancing the use of precision irrigation across the firm and its clients.
“My first priority will be to focus on the 33 Agrico branches and their irrigation designers. My role is to support and teach them to become even more comfortable with drip and micro-irrigation, in order to help them help their clients,” he says.
“In the future I will also shift my focus to direct consultation with clients, but the first order of the day is to equip the Agrico team to deliver the best possible service.”
According to Walter Andrag, managing director of Agrico, Johan will assist the projects team, both in South Africa and further north.
“Johan is experienced and well respected, therefore ideal to head our training efforts. He will ensure our designers stay up to date and informed of all the latest products and options available to growers”, says Andrag.
Visser believes that Agrico has the potential to be a top player in the low volume irrigation industry, with strong designers, experienced technicians and a vast support network throughout southern Africa to provide effective service.
“The great advantage that Agrico has is an extensive infrastructure to support the client with precision irrigation on his or her farm.”
This network, along with a process of continuous improvement and a client-focused approach, will move Agrico forward and facilitate growth.
“I want to be a part of the team that builds Agrico into the best irrigation company in the southern hemisphere. It is not something I can do on my own, but the team can, and I want to be a part of that.”
In hierdie ekslusiewe onderhoud gesels die Andrag-neefs, Walter en Roland, oor Agrico van vandag. Gebou op meer as ‘n eeu se ryk geskiedenis, doen Agrico alles behalwe stagneer. ‘n Groeiende taknetwerk, ‘n poel jong talent en aanhoudende investering in moderne vervaardiging, getuig daarvan. Lees meer oor hierdie twee bedryfsleiers se uitkyk op die landbou, en Agrico se seisoen van momentum!
Agrico stel die nuwe 12.5 m Hoë Spoed Dis bekend, ‘n robuuste werktuig wat ontwerp is vir doeltreffende boerdery met wyer werksdekking. Hierdie Hoë Spoed Dis, wat by NAMPO debuteer, help boere om tyd en geld te bespaar.
Fifteen years ago, Guru started his farming journey with little knowledge. Today, he has turned his 500 Ha farm in Zambia into a thriving enterprise and a family legacy. Using 20 Ha of drip-irrigation and two Agrico centre pivots, Guru has irrigated his way to success.
From efficient irrigation to purpose-built implements, Agrico offers the best of both worlds. Our expertise in irrigation design and seedbed preparation is what your farm needs to take it to the next level. Don’t believe us? Come see for yourself at NAMPO 2024.
Faced with a tight deadline, Sampada-Agri and Agrico collaborated to install an illigation system for sugar beans in just two weeks. This project showcased innovative problem-solving and effective teamwork, ensuring timely planting for Sampada-Agri’s expansion into sugar beans.
“Sonkrag is die toekoms en ons visie by Agrico Vredendal is om die tipe tegnologie in besproeiing uit te brei,” sê Roekie Coetzee, takbestuurder van Agrico in Vredendal. “Dit is juis waarom ons reeds venootskappe in sonkrag begin vorm het: sodat ons die boer kan help om daardie omskakeling so moeiteloos as moontlik te maak.”
