In preparation for the forthcoming harvest, we have implemented a considerable upgrade at our packaging facility at Nirvana farm in the Hex River Valley. The facility now has 22 packing stations and will make use of a new state-of-the-art "intelligent" scale system. Our scale system is integrated with traceability and real-time productivity software and this
The newly planted vineyards at our Nuy production unit in the Breede River Valley are thriving. We have planted 10 hectares of young vines from the IFG and SNFL breeding programmes namely Joybells, Sweet Globe and Timco. They have grown well since planting in spring last year and hold the promise for exciting future production.
The staff on ASV Farms production units also achieved good results in the Orange River Farm Worker of the year contest. This is hosted annualy by ORPA (Orange River Producer Alliance) and, with 76 entrants, the 2016 competition was the biggest one yet. We are proud to say that entrants from ASV Farms won first place in three of the seven categories as well as second place in two of the categories!
Employees on the ASV Viljoen production farms have again achieved well in this year’s Farmworker of the Year competitions. For the many hard working and dedicated people that work on farms in the grape production areas, this competition is the highlight of the year and it is an opportunity for recognition of commitment to excellence and personal empowerment for winners and entrants in the competition’s various categories.
We have planted Joybells, an early red seedless variety with bell shaped berries. Joybells is a “grower-friendly” variety that has been well received in the market place. It was bred by the ARC (Agriculture Research Council) of South Africa.
During the first week of October the ASV marketing team - Anton Viljoen jr., Gabriel Viljoen, Abie Loubser and George Erasmus - attended the Fruit Attraction trade show in Madrid. “This was a good show with a strong Spanish focus. Although the language barrier was a bit of a challenge, the exhibition was truly top
ASV Farms is excited to announce that the company has been successful in obtaining a production and export license for the highly sought-after Sheehan table grape varieties. This world leading breeding programme Sheehan Genetics LLC belongs to SNFL Ltd.
During the winter of 2016 Villion Farms purchased Oude Schuur, a large farm that produces wine and plums at Nuy in the Breede River valley. The farm is 1000ha in total size and there is currently enough water for in excess of 100ha of development.
ASV Farms has appointed George Erasmus as the company’s Export Manager. George has been in this newly created post since the start of September 2016 and is assisting the market team to prepare for the forthcoming harvest. Prior to joining ASV Farms George had worked in the retail sector and was based in Dubai
Above: Willie and Maggie Pietersen (centre) with ASV Production Director Anton Viljoen (right) and Prosper Fair Manager Leon Nel (left) in front of the Pietersen’s renovated and enlarged home. Housing improvements at ASV Farms Prosper Fair Farm in South Africa’s Hex River Valley have been sponsored by Global Fruit Point, Germany and have brought smiles
