Exploring the Success of Lanorma Cultivar at Boomplaas Farm
South African households widely enjoy potatoes, the unsung heroes of many meals. Behind every delicious fry lies a story of dedication and expertise, exemplified by Boomplaas Farm’s successful adoption of the Lanorma potato cultivar.
The Lanorma Cultivar and GWK’s Role
GWK exclusively distributes the Lanorma potato cultivar in South Africa, the fourth most popular cultivar in the country. GWK does not sell the potatoes themselves but provides the seed potatoes planted by commercial farms for the consumer market. One of these farms is Boomplaas, located near Reitz in the Eastern Free State.
Boomplaas Farm, operational since 1856, is currently managed by Niklaas Lourens, a fourth-generation farmer. Alongside Lanorma potatoes, the farm also produces beef cattle, Bonsmaras, maize, and soybeans. Potatoes have been a significant part of the farm’s operations since 1965, with Lanorma becoming the dominant cultivar since 2016.
The Dynamics of Potato Farming
Lourens, passionate about the potato industry, particularly enjoys the marketing and management dynamics of the harvesting process. “The dynamics of potato farming are unique,” he says. “No other industry is as hands-on as potatoes.”
Effective management of the harvesting process is crucial to prevent damage to the potatoes, Lourens explains. Ensuring the potatoes are not overly exposed to sunlight is essential, as sunburn can compromise product quality.
Expectations and Challenges for the New Season
With the new season approaching, there are both expectations and challenges. Projections indicate a potential oversupply of second and third-grade potatoes, which may lead to price drops. Despite this, Boomplaas remains optimistic, focusing on sustainability in a volatile market. Marketing potatoes requires careful coordination, Lourens emphasizes, given the fluctuating market conditions and prices.
Precision farming plays a central role in modern agriculture. Avoiding unnecessary resource wastage, such as excessive fertilization, is crucial, along with selecting the right cultivars.
Why Lanorma is Special for Boomplaas
Lanorma is a well-adapted cultivar, suitable even for dryland conditions, Lourens explains. Its deeper root system generally makes it more resistant to diseases. At Boomplaas, Lanorma potatoes have shown a high pack-out percentage—averaging 88% to 92% of first grades over the past five years. This means fewer lower-grade potatoes to market or discard, simplifying the marketing process.
Consumers find Lanorma attractive due to its color, quality, baking properties, and taste. From GWK’s seed potatoes to the dry soil of the Free State, the journey of these delicious fries to your plate is extensive.
Enjoy them!
