More than just farming – agri careers demystified

Agrimark is helping to shift perceptions about careers in agriculture by engaging learners and students at key educational events.

Most recently, the business partnered with Food for Mzansi to host the AgriCareers Roadshow at Porterville High School, and participated in Stellenbosch University’s Open Day. These platforms exposed learners to a range of modern, innovation-driven career opportunities in the agricultural and retail sectors.

At the AgriCareers Roadshow, Agrimark engaged more than 200 learners, opening their eyes to career opportunities in agronomy, supply chain management, customer relationship management, mechanisation, and agricultural finance. Through interactive conversations, the team demonstrated how agriculture is deeply integrated with technology, sustainability, retail, and urban development today, far from the traditional image of it being about farming alone.

One of the key speakers at the event was Sylvester Chatukuta, Senior Manager: Stock Control. Sylvester, who holds a Master of Science in Wood Processing, a certificate in Agri-Leadership and a BEng Industrial Engineering from Stellenbosch University, highlighted the versatility of careers in agriculture. His journey from academia to his current role, overseeing Stock Control, Enterprise Planning, and Data Analytics at Agrimark’s Supply Chain division, resonated deeply with learners.

“Young people need to understand that agriculture offers a wide range of career opportunities – from data analysis and supply chain management to innovation in processing and technology,” says Sylvester.

Leon Tarr, Senior Manager: Workshop & Spares at Agrimark Mechanisation in Porterville, also shared his perspective. With years of experience in the agricultural sector and over 20 years within the group, Leon brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and people skills to his role. He holds a BA in Psychology and a PGDip in Education from Stellenbosch University, and his journey in agriculture reflects the sector’s openness to diverse skill sets.

“My background in psychology plays a big role in my work today,” he says. “Whether helping a client with their mechanisation needs or managing my team, it helps me better understand people, their challenges, and what they need. It’s not just about selling a product – it’s about building relationships and finding solutions that make a real difference.”

In March, Sylvester spoke in the Applied Sciences segment at Stellenbosch University’s Open Day. Agrimark joined other retailers and agribusinesses such as Woolworths, In2Food, Stems Fruit, Nutritionhub, and Laeveld Agrochem to share insights into the diverse career paths available in agriculture, including agronomy, agricultural economics, food science, animal science, plant pathology, and forestry.

Arno Abeln, Managing Director: Agrimark Operations, emphasised the company’s role in encouraging learners to consider careers in agriculture and retail, saying, “Agrimark is always in search of talent and is committed to creating a continuous flow of skilled professionals for the business. By participating in career days, we hope to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders to see agriculture as a modern field. We’re passionate about helping young people realise that we are part of a dynamic industry with amazing growth potential and fulfilling career paths.”