A Digital Revolution in Farming: Cornelius’ Testimonial on Farmable
Growing up in Kiepersol, Hazyview, Mpumalanga, Cornelius Luus has always been deeply connected to the land. As part of a third-generation farming family, agriculture is not just a profession for him; it’s a way of life. The Swart Familie Trust farm, spanning 180 hectares with 53 hectares under production, specializes in avocados and macadamias while experimenting with smaller crops like butternuts. With 16 permanent employees, efficiency and precision are crucial to maintaining the farm’s success.
When tasked with implementing GlobalG.A.P. compliance, Cornelius initially relied on a simple notebook for data capturing. However, as the data requirements grew, so did the need for a better solution. Working on quad bikes in unpredictable weather conditions, he quickly realized the limitations of traditional record-keeping methods. “I started with a small notebook, then a bigger one, and eventually I thought—there has to be a better way,” he recalls. “We live in an app-driven world, so I searched for something digital that I could carry in my pocket.”
After extensive research and trials, Cornelius discovered Farmable—a platform that fit his needs perfectly.
Seamless Onboarding and Instant Impact
Getting started with Farmable was incredibly straightforward. “The YouTube tutorials and manuals were a huge help,” Cornelius explains. Cornelius and his team were able to self-onboard with ease.
“Setting up the system was simple, and its intuitive design made adoption effortless across the farm.”
The impact on his daily routine was immediate. The biggest advantage was the simplified spray instructions and record-keeping, which not only saved time but also enhanced precision spraying—leading to cost savings. “It’s so much easier to track what’s been done, and I know exactly what’s happening in the fields,” he says. “It’s also great for managing costs—precision spraying means we don’t waste chemicals.”
Farmable allowed Cornelius to track his team’s activities in real-time, enabling quick decision-making and better coordination. The product inventory feature became an essential tool, ensuring that stock levels were accurately maintained. “I no longer have to make trips back to the office to check records—it’s all right there on my phone,” he adds. “Everyone on the farm is on the same page.”
The data is accessible anytime, anywhere, ensuring that everyone on the farm remains informed. Efficiency improved, and human error was significantly reduced.
The Power of Field Notes
One of the most crucial features Cornelius relies on daily is Farmable’s Notes. “This has been a game-changer for me,” he says. “I can quickly jot down observations while I’m in the field—whether it’s a pest issue, crop condition, or just something to remember later. No more scrambling through old notebooks.”
Notes allow him to log key information instantly and refer back to it whenever necessary, making it easier to plan, make decisions, and ensure that nothing is overlooked. It’s also so easy to share, and improves communication and collaboration among the team. “Everyone has access to the same information, so we can work together more efficiently,” Cornelius explains.
“It really helps us react faster and eliminate mistakes.”
A Game-Changer for Audits and Compliance
One of the most valuable aspects of Farmable for Cornelius has been its role in audit preparation. “We work with consultants, and before, audits meant endless back-and-forth emails and piles of paperwork,” he shares. “Now, all our records are in one place, updated in real time, and our consultant has direct access to them.”
Mobile reports have also been a standout feature, allowing Cornelius to send crucial data from the field to relevant stakeholders instantly. “If someone requests information, I don’t need to rush back to the office—I can send it straight from my phone,” he says. “It saves so much time.”
The ability to oversee the entire farm’s operations and assist the team remotely has transformed how tasks are managed.
Looking to the Future
In the evolving landscape of agriculture, technology plays a pivotal role in improving efficiency. Farming apps like Farmable are the future, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions amid rising labor costs, water scarcity, and chemical regulations. As Cornelius puts it, “Meet is weet” (Measuring is knowing), and having accurate data is the key to precision farming.
Beyond the product, he appreciates Farmable’s exceptional customer service. “The team really listens to farmers,” he says.
“They provide great support, and they’re always improving the app based on what we need. It’s rare to find a company that actually works with farmers to make things better.”
Cornelius and his farm now rely on Farmable to cover all operational bases, ensuring continued growth and efficiency for years to come.
Final notes
Cornelius’ experience is a testament to the transformative power of digital tools in modern farming. Farmable has not only improved efficiency on his farm but has also provided a seamless way to manage records, track activities, and stay compliant with industry standards. “As farming continues to evolve, having the right technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.” Farmable is leading the way in precision agriculture, ensuring that farmers like Cornelius can make informed, data-driven decisions for a more productive and sustainable future.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Cornelius and his farm for collaborating with us, being patient, and growing alongside Farmable. “It’s been great to work with a team that listens and continuously improves the app,” he says. “We’re excited to see how Farmable keeps evolving to meet the needs of farmers like us.”
Their insights and feedback have been invaluable in shaping the future of our platform. Together, we continue to innovate and drive agriculture forward.
