#FarmingFamilies - Malan & Johan-Malan Dunn

🌱 #WednesdayWisdom! 🌱Can you believe that we are at the end of July 2024? Time is flying by so quickly, but the citrus season is still underway. We are very proud of all our producers who are navigating the challenges of the season with the ultimate goal of supplying the markets with the best quality citrus fruits.

Today, we would like to share the story of Malan Dunn Sr. and Johan-Malan (Malan Jr.), who epitomize the virtue of Growing Together.

When we talk about growth and heritage, a tribute to #farmingfamilies wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Malan Dunn Sr. and Malan Dunn Jr. The story begins with Malan Sr.’s father, who originally hailed from Oudtshoorn. He arrived in the Valley in 1927 and started his journey working on citrus farms.

Through hard work and determination, he eventually rented and later purchased his own 15-hectare piece of land. This land, named Silverlaan, became the birthplace of Malan Sr., who was one of twelve children.

Malan Sr. reminisces about his childhood as being tough but satisfying. The farm primarily focused on subsistence commodities such as cattle, lucerne, cash crops, and a small amount of citrus. Malan Jr. fondly remembers the few sheep that walked along the dam wall every day, the chickens, cows, and the annual slaughter that provided meat for the entire year.

Malan Sr. always aspired to be a farmer and was the top student at Grootfontein Agriculture College in his graduating year. After earning his degree, he worked at an agricultural research company. Following his father's death in 1969, he returned to the farm with the condition that he could purchase the family land. Securing a loan proved challenging, even with a steady income, and he had to travel to Pretoria to seek financial assistance.

Before fully embracing farming, Malan Jr. traveled and worked overseas. Upon returning to South Africa, he completed his BCom degree. In 2007, he returned to the family farm, initially working as a farm foreman. By 2009, he had taken on more responsibility and started to farm his own piece of land. From 2017 he officially took over from Malan Snr who remains involved in the farm as his most valuable consultant and mentor. Malan Jnr is married to Mariette and they have 2 small sons.

The synergy between father and son is apparent, highlighting the continued partnership and transfer of skills from one generation to the next. In 1987, Malan Sr. was part of the group that was instrumental in establishing the first citrus study group in South Africa. This group had the opportunity to travel to various citrus-producing countries, including Australia, Argentina, Chile, Uruquay and Spain, where they gained valuable experience and insights.

Both Dunns have held prominent leadership positions in the citrus industry. Malan Sr. served on the Irrigation Board for 20 years and was one of the founding members of The Rural Foundation, today known as the Sundays River Community Development organization, where Malan Jr. has been chairman for almost 10 years now. Currently, Malan Jr. is a director on the SRCC Group Board, a role he takes great pride in. This position has provided him with a fresh perspective on the business and has influenced his own farming practices, emphasizing long-term strategic planning.

When asked for his advice to the next generation of citrus farmers, Malan Sr. emphasized the importance of hard work. "You must work harder than anyone else—there's no easy path to success without putting in the effort. 'Jy moet net vasbyt'!" he said, using the Afrikaans phrase for "You just have to persevere." SRCC is immensely proud to be associated with the Dunn family, whose dedication and hard work have not only shaped their own legacy but have also made significant contributions to the citrus industry. Their story of perseverance, innovation, and leadership serves as an inspiration to all, embodying the true spirit of #farmingfamilies. As we look to the future, we remain committed to supporting and celebrating families like the Dunns, who continue to cultivate growth and heritage for generations to come.

Please share our stories as they are a token of what the Sundays River Valley is all about - family, fellowship, and farming heritage.#srccfirst100years #GrowingTogether #FarmHeritage #GenerationsInFarming #WednesdayWisdom