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John Firth is a 5th generation Firth, current CEO of the Firth Group. Other farming divisions within the Firth-family farms include: Maquassi Spruit Pecan Nuts, Highlands Cycads, Firth Red Brangus, Firth Wagyu and Hillcrest Game Estates.
Dear Reader
This Christmas, let us be thankful for life’s many blessings. As I wrote in my year-end message last year (2018), I write again this year: “With an attitude of gratitude” kindly allow me to express my heartfelt thanks to and for the following:
This past year has had its challenges. The game and wildlife ranching industry remain in a state of contraction. Yet, I am confident however, that these lean years will be followed by years of plenty yet to come. So let’s keep on persevering!
I am excited about next year, 2020, the beginning of a new decade! At the Firth Group (incl. Hillcrest Game Estates) we remain curious and courageous: two essential character-qualities that my wife, Louise, recently reminded me of. Long-time friend and associate Frederick (Fritz) Hölscher (based at the Hult International Business School in the UK, where I studied and completed my MBA) wrote this in a recent email sent to me:
Curiosity and courage are two characteristics of an entrepreneur:
Curiosity opens one’s eyes for opportunities and opens the mind for learning (Curiosity is also a characteristic of love).
Courage is that leap of faith to step out of one’s comfort zone into the unknown.
Conquering one’s fear is the third ‘C’- and this happens when we step up in Hope. Hope is the space of unlimited possibilities: The anchor of our soul!
And then, a final thought I wish to share: As farmers, we need to remain fit in order to face the future with readiness and preparedness. At the Firth Group, Future Fit Farming is an exciting concept (a curious and courageous way of living life and doing farming) that we will share with you in the new year, so be sure to watch this space for news of what’s to come for us in 2020.
In closing, on behalf of the Firth Family and all at Hillcrest Game Estates, may curiosity and courage accompany you into the next decade. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May 2020 be filled with peace, happiness, good health and—above-all—much hope of good things yet to come for you and your families.
Until next time, take good care and God Bless.
John
Veld fires threatened to completely overwhelm our team at the farm, with the worst fires experienced this year.
Pecan nut farming in the North West Province of South Africa has evolved as an essential part of the region’s agriculture.
The South African Pecan Nut Producers Association (SAPPA) is an organisation that represents the interests of pecan nut growers, producers, and other stakeholders within the pecan nut industry in South Africa.