From Grain to Gold – Miller Family and Woodall

It is definitely time for another #ThrowbackThursday.

As we mark our 100th year in the citrus industry, we have the privilege of connecting with our producers, delving into their stories, their legacies, and their indispensable role in our journey. Without our producers, our existence would not be possible, and it's our honour to celebrate each and every one of them who has contributed to the enduring success of SRCC.

The Miller family has a rich history in citrus packing that predates SRCC. Initially, they operated from a small shed located on the other side of the current Woodall farm, where they packed fruit for export to the UK under the Pagoda brand. It was revealed that Mr. Pagoda served as the marketing agent, essentially becoming the face behind the brand.

Arriving at Woodall Country House, visitors are welcomed by the serene beauty of nature. The grounds are adorned with beautiful flowers and well-maintained gardens, complemented by towering trees and diverse birdlife. It's evident that James Miller, the owner and third-generation farmer, has a strong passion for cultivating and preserving the natural environment.

The roots of Woodall's farming legacy trace back to James's great-grandfather, who originally hailed from the Orkney Islands of Scotland, where he owned a flour mill, hence named “Miller”. In 1911, seeking new opportunities, James’s grandfather journeyed to New Zealand before eventually settling in South Africa to farm alongside his soon-to-be brother-in-law on a farm near Chrissiesmeer, Mpumalanga.

The year 1913 marked a significant milestone as James's grandmother joined him in South Africa, and they married on the day of her arrival in South Africa. They were blessed with two sons - Aleck in 1916 and James (the 2nd) in 1918. (Aleck – father of Charlie Miller. James the 2nd – father to James the 3rd – current owner of Woodall).

After World War 1, James's grandparents opted to move to Addo, drawn by the reputed charm of the Sundays River Valley. In 1919, they purchased the farm Woodall, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their farming legacy.During James’s father's upbringing, Woodall operated as a diversified farm, featuring a small citrus component alongside a Jersey cattle herd, a dairy, and poultry facilities. Their primary focus revolved around the raising of day-old chicks.

When James's father took over the reins of the farm, they shifted towards cultivating more citrus. Farming methods in those days were markedly different, characterized by scarcity of water and periodic droughts affecting the region every decade or so. As a youngster, James recalls the arduous task of pumping water out of Ceaser Dam using a tractor and water cart—a labour-intensive job that consumed the entire day. Their efforts were focused on preserving a handful of orchards amidst the challenging conditions.

James and his two sisters went to Sunland’s Primary School. They would walk down to the bus stop each morning, anticipating the arrival of the stern bus driver, who was regularly irritated by the pet donkeys causing obstructions on the road. Following his primary education, James transitioned to boarding school in Port Elizabeth.

After school, James studied his BSc in Horticulture through the Citrus Exchange bursary program. During his two-year compulsory army service, he was picked to teach science at Jongilizwe. Jongilizwe College was a school in Tsolo, Transkei which served the sons of Chiefs and Headmen from the Transkei bantustan. He then worked for the citrus exchange in the Tzaneen office, and serviced the Southern Zimbabwe, Hoedspuit, Tshipise and Levubu areas.

One thing that has become abundantly clear in our discussions with our growers is the wealth of knowledge and experience within our community. James exemplifies this commitment to continuous learning and improvement. His master's degree delved into the intricate dynamics of nitrogen and potassium's impact on fruit growth. During this academic pursuit, James crossed paths with his future wife, Debbie, who shares his passion for citrus and holds a master's degree of her own. Debbie's expertise lies in addressing bud take problems in nurseries, complementing James's research focus and enriching their combined understanding of citrus cultivation. Their shared dedication to advancing citrus farming underscores the importance of ongoing education and collaboration within the agricultural community.

Following the passing of his father, James made a tough decision to forego an opportunity to pursue his doctorate in California in order to take over the family farm. Despite this significant choice, James harbours no regrets, as his love for his home, family, and friends in the Sundays River Valley remains paramount. James and Debbie have established a nursery on the farm, growing and planting 30 000 trees exclusively for Woodall.

He takes immense pride in his two daughters, with his eldest having attained a Master's in English and gaining valuable experience working with chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi during a gap year. Meanwhile, his youngest daughter is progressing through her third year of medical studies at UCT. As the upcoming season approaches, James has intensified preparations for the crops at Woodall, anticipating an increase in both quality and packouts.

Building upon their deep-rooted connection to our valley and community, and with an eye toward the future, we eagerly anticipate the continued relationship between SRCC and Woodall.

#growingtogether #srccfirst100years