Carrying the legacy, creating his own path

For Vincent Pack, the future of farming lies in bridging tradition and technology. The young generational farmer and Information Technology (IT) student is building on his family’s agricultural legacy while embracing innovation to create a more efficient, sustainable and commercially viable farming operation.

Pack’s farming journey began at an early age. Raised by his grandmother in a communal farming area, he was introduced to livestock and traditional farming practices long before he understood the responsibilities that came with them.

“My farming journey started when I was around four years old. I grew up in the village with my grandmother, where I learned various traditional farming techniques which really shaped my farming and life skills. My family farmed communally for about 10 years before moving on to commercial land,” he said.

Although agriculture was part of his upbringing, Pack said farming was not always an obvious career choice. “Farming definitely developed as an interest over time. It was up and down at first because I wasn't always 100% sure whether this was the path for me, but my dad always encouraged and supported me to pursue farming, which really helped a lot.”

That support helped strengthen his commitment to continuing the family’s farming legacy.

Growing up, his family also instilled in him what they call the “Double Rs” – respect and responsibility – values he believes remain central to farming.

“Growing up with my grandmother and later moving on to commercial land taught me that farming is not only about making a living, but also about responsibility, patience and respect. I want to take what I learned from the generations before me and combine it with my own ideas to become a better and more modern farmer,” Pack said.

Where technology meets tradition

Rather than simply following the family’s established methods, Pack wants to combine agriculture with technology. “I didn't want to limit myself to only one field. I believe that having knowledge in both agriculture and IT can give me an advantage because I can understand the farming side while also understanding how technology can be used to improve it,” he said.

For Pack, technology can support many aspects of modern farming, from record-keeping and livestock monitoring to data analysis and decision-making.

“I believe they belong together because farming is becoming more technology-driven. Farming is no longer only about what happens in the field or on the farm. Technology can help with things like record-keeping, monitoring livestock, analysing information and making better decisions. So I see IT as another tool that can help farmers become more efficient,” he said.

He sees potential in technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, drones and digital monitoring systems, particularly as farmers contend with rising input costs and tighter margins.

“I think data management, artificial intelligence, automation, drones and monitoring systems have a lot of potential. Being able to collect information and use it to make better decisions can really improve farming,” Pack said.

But he cautions against adopting technology simply because it is new. “I don't want technology just for the sake of having it; I want to use it where it can actually make the farm better,” he said.

Diversifying the farm

Away from his studies, Pack is expanding the family’s farming operation. What began primarily as cattle farming now includes small livestock, crop production and charcoal production.

“My farming operation is diversified across a few different areas. I do small livestock farming and cattle farming, and I have also recently started getting into crop production. Alongside the livestock and crops, I'm also involved in charcoal production. My goal is to build it into a more sustainable and commercial farming business,” he said.

The family farms White Brahman, Simmentaler, Simbra and Charolais cattle. White Brahman formed the backbone of their communal operation because of the breed’s drought resistance and adaptability. Following the move to commercial farming, Simmentaler cattle were introduced to improve weaner production, while Charolais genetics have more recently been added to the commercial herd.

Pack has also ventured into crop production as he seeks to reduce feed costs and make better use of available resources. His crops include maize, lucerne, Super Napier grass, sorghum and beans.

“I recently got into crop farming because I wanted to diversify my farming operation. I believe that relying on one area of farming can be limiting, so I wanted to explore other opportunities within agriculture,” he said.

He sees mixed farming as a way of spreading risk and creating multiple income streams.

“If one part of the farm has a difficult season, having other areas can help support the overall business. It also allows you to make better use of the resources available to you and build something that can continue growing over generations,” Pack said.

Making farming attractive to young people

Pack acknowledges that access to land, finance and equipment remains a major challenge for young farmers. However, he believes younger producers also have opportunities to bring new skills into the sector.

“I think young people need better access to land, finance, knowledge and technology. We also need to change the perception that farming is only traditional manual work. Farming today can involve business, technology, data, innovation and many other skills,” he said.

He said experienced farmers also had an important role to play by mentoring young producers, sharing practical knowledge and helping them navigate the realities of the industry.

Building a legacy

Pack’s long-term goal is to build a recognised farming business combining commercial livestock production, crop farming and technology while remaining grounded in the values passed down through his family.

“I want to leave a legacy of showing that you don't have to choose between agriculture and technology. You can take the traditional knowledge and values passed down through generations and combine them with modern technology to create something better,” he said.

For Pack, the next generation of Namibian farmers has an opportunity to modernise the sector without abandoning the knowledge on which it was built.

“The future of Namibian agriculture is young, innovative and technology-driven, while still being rooted in the traditional knowledge and values that built our farming industry,” he said.