I have a confession. I always thought I would marry a farmer one day. Probably because I grew up in a small town in the Free State and never even imagined anything beyond the province’s borders. (I didn’t marry a farmer, though. God had other plans and pretty good ones at that). Still, my appreciation for and fondness of farmers and a simpler life have never subsided and my love for the farm will forever be ingrained in my being, even though I never even grew up on a farm. You’ll probably understand my sentiment once you’ve watched the first episode of the latest season of Boer Soek ‘n Vrou…
Some might say I’ve romanticised farm life and that it’s really hard work. For me, it’s about the quality of life. Kids running around free. Mud baths. Dam swims. Koppie climbs. Riding ponies. Gravel runs. Seeing the maize and the soya grow. Watching the clouds roll in and seeing farmers dancing in the rain. While I realise it isn’t always easy and that things like droughts, veld fires and even too much rain are but some of the challenges farmers often face, there is something special about living on a farm.
I suspect that is why Boer Soek ‘n Vrou interests me so much. It takes me back to where I grew up. A gentler, slower kind of life with (mostly) real, honest people with similar values to mine. It’s relatable. And, throughout the first episode of the latest season (like with previous seasons) there is another golden thread – one that makes me respect farmers most: Faith. Faith in God, and hope that is tangible. Not only for finding true love, but also that their farms will flourish – if not this year, the next.
Last week saw the launch of the 15th season of Boer Soek ‘n Vrou, with Marciel Hopkins as the presenter once again and as I sat back to watch her meet all the farmers partaking in this season, I felt a surge of nerves on their behalf. Who will be the five farmers with the most letters? Will they meet their matches? The previous two seasons had been rather successful in this regard and have evidently set the bar (and expectations) quite high.
Highlights from Episode 1
While I thoroughly enjoy seeing scenes of a simpler life, the farmers (and their potential matches) probably view this season of Boer Soek ’n Vrou from a very different perspective. Still, the videography of the first episode of the 15th season was a highlight for me as Marciel travelled across the country to meet the farmers on the farms where they live and work. Showcasing some of the most beautiful parts of South Africa – places you might otherwise not have been able to see – the production team has done a brilliant job in capturing from the smallest things that make living on a farm so special, to the farms’ openness and space that urges one to slow down and take it all in.
There were, of course also quite a couple of laughs as viewers got to meet the farmers on screen, which sets the scene for a fun 15th season.
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Who are the ‘Boer Soek ‘n Vrou’ Season 15 farmers?
Of course, the Free State farms hit home hard and farmer, Philru (26) from Petrus Steyn had me reminiscing about fields of red grass, cold, dry Free State winters and the province’s unique, outstretched vistas. The cattle farmer seems a little shy, but he’s ready to meet the girl of his dreams.
Chérie (34) had me grinning from ear to ear as she told Marciel about their boerbok babies’ “ah moments” as they were brought to their mommies for some milk. The Herbertsdale farmer is a bundle of energy, but also comfortable in silence. She has a pray path on the farm, which I found fascinating and rather inspirational. Here, she puts down a round rock for every prayer she prays. I might just start something like that myself too!
Farmer Louis B (26) from Ottosdal seems like an optimist and while he is definitely an adrenaline junkiy, he certainly has a soft spot for sunsets and the simplicity of farm life. He is most likely also the trendiest of this season’s crop of farmers, complete with a fashionable mustache and all!
Then there’s farmer, Francois (50) who is the very first ostrich farmer on Boer Soek ‘n Vrou ever! He might be a big, tall man, but he also seems to be a real softy, keen to teach the viewers and hopefully the girl of his dreams about what he does on the farm from day to day.
Grape and citrus farmer, David (31) loves the outdoors and enjoys trying new things. He’s looking for a balanced life with an energetic partner who can enjoy the outdoors with him.
Hennie (35) is a grain and Marino farmer from Moorreesburg in the Western Cape and while the farm keeps him busy, he is a keen golfer too.
Kotie (43) – another Free State farmer – hails from Harrismith, and he’s full of jokes.
Louis M (26) is a wildlife farmer from Limpopo, keen on starting a family. He says he wants to share the farm and farm life with a family of his own. Making memories is what it’s all about.
Rampie (29) farms with game in Modder River. It’s his name that was the conversation starter in the 15th season’s first episode. Apparently, it comes from when he was born and his parents broke the news that it’s a ‘ram’. In the end, it kind of just stuck.
Farmer Riaan comes from their family farm in Nigel, Gauteng where he farms with his brother and their dad. He’s a clivia guru with an impressive collection of these plants and in addition to that he enjoys taking part in triathlons, doing woodwork, camping and taking photos.
Boer Soek ’n Vrou airs on kykNET (channel 144) on Thursdays at 20:00.
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