Episode 7: The faces of passion in agriculture | SAPPO Selekt

Summary

David Osborne, a pig farmer in South Africa, shares his journey from England to South Africa on a livestock ship in 1970. He emphasizes the importance of people management and technology in modern farming, highlighting the misconceptions about farmers being the enemy of the planet. Osborne discusses the role of sustainable intensive agriculture in food security and expresses his passion for nurturing the land and livestock, aiming to leave the planet in a better state.

Takeaways

• 🐷 David Osborne is a pig farmer managing a significant number of livestock, including 36,000 pigs, 15,000 bulk cars, and 10,000 beef cattle.
• 🚢 In 1970, Osborne and his mate moved from England to South Africa, working as stockmen on a livestock-carrying ship to earn their passage.
• 🔥 They experienced a fire on board, which extended their journey from two to six weeks.
• 🌍 Osborne emphasizes the importance of people management and having a good team, as farming is not just about animal management.
• 🤝 He dispels misconceptions about farming, stating that farmers are not the enemy of the planet but rather nurturers improving livestock production.
• 📈 The farming community is described as happy and dedicated, with a strong will to produce more food in South Africa from less.
• 🐖 Modern pig farming is highly technological, with female pigs receiving different rations during gestation, all managed by computer identification.
• 🌱 Osborne is a strong believer in sustainability and sees intensive agriculture as a part of that philosophy.
• 🌐 He expresses a passion for the planet, livestock, and the farming process, which he believes adds value and peace of mind to his work.
• 🙏 Although not particularly religious, Osborne feels a sense of purpose and a 'Godly approach' in leaving the planet in a better state.

Q & A

Who is David Osborne and what does he do?

David Osborne is essentially a pig farmer who manages a company with approximately 36,000 pigs, 15,000 bulk cars, and 10,000 beef cattle.

How did David Osborne and his mate initially travel to South Africa?

David Osborne and his mate traveled to South Africa by working as stockmen on a livestock-carrying boat, which provided them with free passage.

What complication occurred during their journey to South Africa?

A fire broke out on the ship, which extended their journey from the expected two weeks to six weeks.

What does David Osborne believe is a significant part of his daily work?

David Osborne believes that people management is a significant part of his daily work, as he emphasizes the importance of having a good team.

What does David Osborne think about the public's perception of farmers?

David Osborne thinks there are misconceptions about farming and that farmers should not be seen as enemies of the planet.

How does technology play a role in the feeding of female pigs according to the script?

Technology plays a significant role in the feeding of female pigs, with different rations fed during gestation periods, and sows being identified and managed by computer.

What does David Osborne consider farming to be?

David Osborne considers farming to be a way of life that requires commitment and dedication.

What is the outlook for the farming community according to David Osborne?

David Osborne sees the farming community as happy and believes that most farmers love what they do. He also thinks they are strong-willed and determined to continue producing more food in South Africa.

What is David Osborne's stance on sustainability and intensive agriculture?

David Osborne is a strong believer in sustainability and sees intensive agriculture as a necessary part of that philosophy.

How does David Osborne feel about the impact of his work on the planet?

David Osborne has a passion for the planet and livestock, and he believes that if he can leave the planet in a better state, he will have achieved his goal and a Godly approach to everything on the planet.

What does David Osborne think about the role of farmers in providing food security?

David Osborne believes that farmers will continue to produce more food in South Africa from less, ensuring food security for the South African population.