Langhoek Farm Thrives Through Crop Diversity and Sustainable Broccoli Production

Resting near the Outeniqua Mountain range outside Great Brak River in the Western Cape, Langhoek Farm stands as a model of sustainable and diversified crop production. Managed by farmer Danie Barnard, the family-run farm has evolved over generations to balance productivity with long-term soil health.

Today, Langhoek produces around 14 different crop varieties, including lettuce, green beans, cauliflower, and butternut. These crops are rotated seasonally to ensure consistent yields and maintain soil fertility. In earlier years, Brassica crops dominated Barnard’s planting schedule, but the focus on these high-cost, low-summer-yield crops limited profitability.

“When we only focused on Brassicas, our total yield was insufficient. Since Brassica crops are expensive to plant, we needed to expand our options,” Barnard explains.

Three-Year Rotation for Sustainability

The farm has 130 hectares under irrigation, with each hectare managed according to a strict planting schedule. Broccoli sits at the core of a three-year rotation cycle, alternating with crops such as potatoes and green beans. Green beans play a crucial role by naturally fixing nitrogen in the soil, creating a nutrient-rich environment for future broccoli growth.

“Because we do not have a large area under production, I cannot afford to only plant broccoli and cauliflower every three years. Moving away from monocultures was vital for me to be able to stay productive,” says Barnard.

Maintaining healthy soil conditions is essential due to risks such as clubroot disease. Regular soil monitoring and strict crop rotation help reduce pathogen build-up. Barnard collaborates with buyers twice a year to align his planting programme with market demand, ensuring both sustainability and profitability. His efforts yield between 8 and 10 tons per hectare, with about 80% of the crop being saleable.

Efficient Broccoli Cultivation

Broccoli is grown year-round through careful scheduling. Soil analysis is conducted three times annually to adjust fertilisation plans. Broccoli thrives in soil with a pH between 6 and 7, so the soil is tilled and loosened up to 300 millimetres before composting.

Barnard sources seed from reputable suppliers such as Starke Ayres and Sakata. After about five to seven weeks in the nursery, seedlings are transplanted into the fields. Around 40 000 seedlings are planted per hectare, either manually or with planters depending on slope steepness. Each broccoli plant can produce up to five harvests.

While broccoli is better suited to winter, Barnard plants roughly three hectares each month without adjusting for seasonality. “It is more expensive to plant in summer because of the disease pressure and lower saleable yield, but we are lucky to have both north- and south-facing fields that we utilise based on season,” he explains.

Fertilisation is done using granular fertiliser with overhead pivot irrigation, providing about 10 to 15 millimetres of water weekly. Overhead irrigation remains the preferred method due to the steep terrain, which would cause runoff and uneven watering under drip systems.

Integrated Pest and Disease Management

Barnard employs a balanced approach between chemical and biological pest control, focusing on threats such as diamondback moth and bollworm. He uses silica-based products like Eckosil to improve nutrient absorption and strengthen plants against diseases. Chemicals are applied only when pest populations exceed economic thresholds.

Alternaria poses the greatest challenge in summer, reducing saleable yields during a period of high market demand. Warmer temperatures and morning mist create ideal conditions for disease spread. Barnard manages these risks through resistant cultivars, rotation, and careful field placement.

Harvesting and Market Supply

Broccoli is harvested three times per week during each of the three annual harvests. Summer cultivars mature in about three months, while winter varieties take three weeks longer. Harvested heads weigh between 400 and 650 grams, depending on buyer specifications.

All processing and packaging take place in the farm’s on-site packhouse to ensure freshness. Broccoli is sold as full heads or in punnet portions to major retailers including Pick n Pay, Shoprite, and Freshmark.

Adapting for the Future

Despite fluctuating market conditions and climate pressures, Langhoek Farm continues to thrive. Barnard’s strategic crop diversification, disciplined rotation, and focus on soil health allow him to maintain consistent yields.

Through innovation and adaptation, he has built a production system that meets both market demands and environmental challenges. Langhoek Farm’s story reflects the future of South African agriculture—rooted in resilience, sustainability, and smart farming practices.