Hudson Family Legacy - Celebrating the stories that bind us…

Embracing the past, celebrating the present and building the future…Today we would like to highlight the importance of contribution to the farming sector, and the impact of leadership, directorship, as well as resilience during all seasons of citrus farming.

The decision to pursue farming is often complex, especially when faced with numerous external challenges and variables. Like many businesses, farming experiences cyclical patterns – years of prosperity, years of moderate success, and years of struggle. Elements such as market dynamics, currency fluctuations, production costs, and climate conditions are beyond the producer's control. Producers must skillfully navigate these challenges, optimizing each season to the best of their abilities. As SRCC commemorates its 100th year of service, we are reminded of the resilience demonstrated by farmers who have weathered the ups and downs of each season.

It was a #throwback moment when Mr. Wreford Hudson reminisced about the drought that struck the Sundays River Valley in the late 1960s. He recounted that during that season, he was only able to harvest 29 lugs, a significantly higher yield compared to other farmers in the area. During this time, the reserve capacity of the Darlington Dam was insufficient during drought periods. In 1987, a significant intervention was prompted by the construction of a tunnel to redirect water from the Orange River scheme to the Darlington Dam. This development has been crucial, as it now ensures that the Sundays River Valley has 20,325 hectares of listed irrigation rights.

From the first orchards to the latest technology, citrus farming has evolved over the years. However, what hasn't changed is the dedication and passion that drive our producers to remain resilient. Wreford, who has served as a Director and is currently the Chairman of the Lower Sundays River Valley Water User Association, provided a detailed explanation of the evolution of irrigation advancements over time. The days of flood irrigation and lanterns as the only source of light almost make load shedding bearable (almost).

During our conversation with Wreford, we learned he inherited numerous leadership and value traits from his father, Nic Hudson. Wreford's father, who was a qualified agricultural engineer,  began farming in 1954, initially cultivating 17 hectares of citrus. The family farm, Bloemhof, is located near the town's main road, opposite the school. Wreford has fond memories of him and his siblings (along with their dogs) walking across the road to school. Wreford, following in the footsteps of his father, earned his B in Civil Engineering and later took on a significant role on the farm, eventually becoming a farmer in his own right.

In a 1991 Citrus Journal article, we learned about the significant roles Nic Hudson held. He was the Director of the Citrus Bursary Board, the juice factory, and the Eastern Cape Agriculture Credit Board. Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the Lower Sundays River Valley Water User Association and the SRCC Board. The article, titled 'Betrokkenheid sy leuse,' translates to “Contribution is his motto.” As the torch is passed from one generation to the next, the values of contribution, community, and long-term viability remain constant. In 2022, SRCC honored Mr. Wreford Hudson with a certificate of appreciation for his long-standing service on the SRCC Board of Directors. Wreford diligently served on the SRCC board from 2005 to 2022, contributing a remarkable 17 years to shaping the strategic direction of SRCC. This recognition marks a significant milestone for SRCC, especially considering the influential leadership of Wreford's father who served as Chairman of the SRCC Board for many years.

We are delighted to have the next generation of the Hudson family as part of SRCC. Wreford's daughter, Ina, is a valued member of our agronomy team. Wreford is optimistic about the upcoming season, anticipating a year of good quality. As part of the SRCC team, we highly regard the leadership roles that the Hudson family has played across generations within the farming community. These roles have had a significant impact on the agricultural sector, the environment, and the broader Sundays River Valley.