Agriculture
Farming Activities
Foremost in our efforts to make the group an integrated, sustainable and profitable agricultural organization is its affiliation with its suppliers. It is a relationship that stands out in the industry and one which is vital to future success.
Our Timber Operations
The timber grown on our farms consists mainly of Pinus elliottii (pine), Acacia mearnsii (wattle), and selected Eucalyptus species (gum).
Pine
Pine is grown over a long 28-year rotation. Throughout this period, we apply a range of silvicultural practices at specific stages of growth. Side branches are pruned to produce strong, knot-free timber, while thinning is carried out to reduce competition and remove trees that do not meet our quality standards. At maturity, the trees are felled at 28 years and processed as saw logs in our sawmill. We continue to use chainsaws, cutting logs to the required lengths.
Wattle
Wattle is grown on a shorter 10-year cycle. Trees are planted in spring and summer, with careful maintenance to keep areas weed-free. Corrective pruning improves tree shape, and thinning removes weak or stunted growth. At 10 years, the trees are clear-felled by manual teams. The bark is stripped, bundled, and transported to the factory on the same day to ensure optimal quality. The timber is sent to NCT Durban, where it is chipped and exported for paper manufacturing.
Eucalyptus (Gum)
Eucalyptus is primarily grown on our Shepscombe farm in the Karkloof. A mechanized felling system is used, as this timber is mainly destined for pulp production. Trees are harvested after 10 years. In line with our long-term policy, gum is not replanted. Pine and wattle are established in its place after harvesting.
Environmental Management
Fire protection is a top priority during the winter months, with dedicated teams and equipment on full standby. Conservation is equally important to us, and significant resources are invested in maintaining natural areas and watercourses, keeping them free from invasive plant species.
We have 5 Farms which are situated from the Karkloof in the West to Dalton in the East.
Harden Heights – Dalton
Harden Heights is situated 10Km from Dalton on the Seven Oaks Road.
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It has a total area of 3459Ha employing 11 Permanent Employees.
Harden Heights has 1664Ha planted to Pine, 596Ha planted to Wattle and 689Ha planted to Sugarcane, which is currently leased out in exchange for timber land.
Our conservation areas make up 549Ha. 100Ha of previously sugarcane land has recently been established as avocado orchards.
Winterhaven – Seven Oaks
Winterhaven is situated between New Hanover and Seven Oaks
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It has a total area of 1600Ha employing only contractor staff.
Winterhaven has 1294Ha planted to Pine, 51Ha planted to Wattle and 254Ha set aside for conservation.
The Forest – Karkloof
The Forest is approximately 55Km from Dalton nestled in the beautiful Karkloof Valley on the outskirts of Howick.
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It has a total area of 2041Ha and employing only contractor staff.
The Forest has an annual Long Term mean rainfall of 1700mm which makes it ideally suited for Timber Production.
The Forest currently has 1029Ha planted to Pine, 123ha planted to Wattle and 31ha planted to Gum.
405Ha is set aside for conservation.
Redclyffe – Seven Oaks
Redclyffe is situated approximately 25Km from Dalton.
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It has a total area of 1500Ha and employs only contractor staff.
Redclyffe currently has 629ha planted to Pine, 117Ha planted to Wattle.
A large portion has recently been converted into avocado orchards.
Shepscombe - Karkloof
Shepscombe is approximately 55Km from Dalton nestled in the beautiful Karkloof Valley on the outskirts of Howick.
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It has a total area of 811Ha and employs 3 permanent employees and contractor staff make up the balance.
It has an annual Long Term mean rainfall of 1700mm which makes it ideally suited for Timber Production.
Shepscombe currently has 515 ha of gum, 71 ha of pine and 28 ha of wattle. 142 ha is set aside for conservation. Currently, about 100 ha is being developed for avocado production and the remaining gum areas will be converted to pine.
