The Paarl and Franschhoek valleys have been producing award-winning wines and winemakers for decades. So the term cattle farmer certainly doesn’t come up often here.
But last week heads turned in wine country when Jason Carroll of the Boschendal Wine Estate, between Paarl and Franschhoek, was named Voermoel Feeds Cattle Farmer of the Year. The competition was presented for the 17th time with sponsors such as BKB and Landbouweekblad. This year is, however, the first year the competition has taken place again due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Carroll said many people see Boschendal as just a wine farm, but it has integrated numerous businesses there. In addition to his massive stud of Black Angus cattle, for which he won, there are also sheep and pigs and a large variety of fruit orchards on the farm.
“The biggest goal of all is to build an overall value chain,” said Carroll.
“It’s a privilege to win this prize. It’s incredible.”
At Boschendal since 2015, he is the livestock manager, breeding Black Angus cattle, free-range pigs, chicken, sheep and other stock.
Bochendal, the second oldest wine farm in the Cape Winelands, also recently received recognition at the 2023 Cape Prestige Agri-Awards in the Franschhoek region. In a category featuring entries from esteemed farms it was acknowledged as the Best Performing Farm.
The estate described the recognition is a testament to its commitment to regenerative farming, where it works to replenish and generate its soil.
“Because for us, healthy soil means healthy food and ultimately, healthy people,” it stated.
