From Cedara to Commercial Scale: The Story Behind Tusokuhle Farming

From Cedara to Commercial Scale: The Story Behind Tusokuhle Farming. Meet Andile Ngcobo, an agricultural entrepreneur and the founder of Tusokuhle Farming from Pietermaritzburg. His journey into agriculture began in 2013 when he enrolled at Cedara College of Agriculture. That decision marked the starting point of a career shaped by formal training, hands on experience, and steady progression through the realities of commercial farming. Rather than entering agriculture with inherited land or established infrastructure, Ngcobo built his path step by step, eventually becoming a first generation farmer at the age of 24.

Tusokuhle Farming’s story is not defined by sudden breakthroughs but by consistent growth anchored in skills development, exposure to commercial operations, and a long term view of farming as a scalable business. This foundation would later support the brand’s expansion into large scale production and formal retail supply.

Building Credibility Through Training and Experience

Ngcobo’s time at Cedara College of Agriculture provided structured agricultural education, but the most decisive phase came after his studies. By working on commercial farms, he gained practical insight into production systems, operational discipline, and the standards required to operate at scale. This period shaped his understanding of farming as both a technical and managerial pursuit.

At 24, Ngcobo became a first generation farmer and went on to manage a 30 hectare farm. This milestone represented more than land access. It was an early test of leadership, planning, and accountability. Managing a farm of that size required coordinating labour, maintaining consistency in output, and making decisions with limited room for error. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this phase highlights the value of learning within existing systems before leading one of your own.

Scaling Up With Purpose and Control

One of the defining turning points in the Tusokuhle Farming journey was its expansion in land size. From managing 30 hectares, Ngcobo progressed to owning a 1300 hectare farm. This transition signals a shift from small scale operations to a complex agricultural enterprise.

Scale introduces risk, but it also creates opportunity. With increased land came the ability to diversify activities and support larger production volumes. Tusokuhle Farming also employs 40 permanent workers and 108 seasonal workers, reflecting the operational demands of large scale farming and the brand’s role as a local employer. Growth at this level requires systems, trust in teams, and the ability to align people with production goals.

Market Access as a Strategic Advantage

Tusokuhle Farming supplies produce to Shoprite, Checkers, and other retailers and local supermarkets. Access to formal retail markets represents a critical strength of the brand. Retail supply demands consistency, compliance, and reliability, and meeting these standards positions a farming business as a credible long term partner.

Rather than relying solely on informal markets, Tusokuhle Farming’s retail presence anchors its operations in structured demand. For entrepreneurs, this demonstrates the importance of aligning production capacity with market requirements. Market access is not only about selling more, but about building systems that can deliver quality at scale.

Diversification and Operational Resilience

In addition to crop production, Ngcobo owns a herd of different livestock. While the specifics of the livestock are not detailed, the presence of multiple farming activities points to diversification within the business. Diversification can strengthen operational resilience by spreading risk and creating multiple production streams.

This approach reinforces the idea that sustainable farming brands are built on balance. Managing land, labour, and different agricultural activities requires coordination, but it also supports stability in a sector shaped by seasonal and market fluctuations.

Lessons for Aspiring Agricultural Entrepreneurs

The journey of Tusokuhle Farming offers practical lessons grounded in real milestones. Formal education provided technical grounding, while commercial farm experience built operational confidence. Starting with manageable scale allowed skills to develop before expansion. Growth followed demonstrated capacity, not speculation.

Another key lesson lies in employment and leadership. Managing permanent and seasonal workers is not a side function but a core responsibility. Building teams and maintaining standards is essential when scaling any venture.

Finally, market alignment stands out as a defining strength. Supplying major retailers requires discipline and consistency, reinforcing the idea that strong brands are built where production capability meets clear demand.

A Brand Built on Progression, Not Shortcuts

Tusokuhle Farming’s success is rooted in progression. From Cedara College to commercial farms, from 30 hectares to 1300 hectares, and from local operations to national retail supply, each phase built on the last. The brand’s story shows that sustainable success often comes from patience, preparation, and steady execution.

For entrepreneurs looking to build lasting ventures, Tusokuhle Farming stands as a reminder that growth is most powerful when it is earned, measured, and supported by real capability.