My name is Keabetswe Jiyane, and I’m from Pretoria. I am currently the Site Manager at Roadgrass for Site Ashley. Unlike many who find their path later in life, I joined the Roadgrass family right after high school. I didn’t have a life without this farm—shortly after completing my studies, I was hired to do my practicals at Site Ashley, and it was there that I officially became part of the team.
Growing up, I never imagined a career in agriculture. My dream was to be a microbiologist, working in a laboratory, exploring the unseen worlds of science. I pictured myself in white coats, pipettes in hand—not in boots and overalls, working with chickens. But life has a funny way of surprising you, and my high school decisions eventually led me to agriculture. I don’t regret that path—I love it.
I remember my first weeks vividly. The transition from theory to practice was tougher than I had imagined. In school, I had learned about poultry farming, but nothing prepared me for actually handling the birds. At first, I even had a small fear of chickens! But I settled in, adapted, and gradually learned the ropes. What started as practical experience soon became a passion, and now, I oversee the entire site as Manager.
It’s remarkable to think about how far I’ve come—from student to Site Manager. My role has grown in responsibility, scope, and influence, and it has allowed me to take pride in being part of the growth of this farm.
Working at Roadgrass has been a journey of self-discovery. I’ve learned resilience, patience, and the importance of leadership. Handling both the production side and the human side of the farm has helped me understand the complexities of people and processes.
I’ve grown to understand different personalities, cultures, and working styles. Every day is an opportunity to learn—from my team, from technical advisors, and from the challenges that naturally arise in running a farm.
Roadgrass has a culture unlike any other I’ve experienced. The environment here feels like family. There is a healthy working atmosphere, full of support and camaraderie. Management and employees collaborate as a unit, sharing challenges, successes, and responsibilities.
I’ve also learned so much from my mentors—my General Manager, Marsha, in particular, has been a guiding influence. She’s taught me the importance of patience, perseverance, and resilience. The Mokoane family, including Molly, Lerato, the late Thabang, and Ashley, has been equally inspiring. They emphasize education, generosity, and giving back—not just to employees, but to the broader community. Despite their prominence, they treat everyone with humility and love.
Roadgrass is my home away from home. It’s where I spend most of my time, and it has become a place of personal growth and fulfillment. I hope to leave a legacy that inspires others, especially young agricultural students or employees. I want to demonstrate that anything is possible if you commit to your work, learn every day, and embrace the opportunities before you.
I also want to be remembered for contributing meaningfully to the company, raising its flag high, and leaving a reputation of excellence and dedication.
The challenges of farm life keep me motivated. When birds are sick or production faces hurdles, I stay focused on the bigger picture: the success of the farm and the wellbeing of our team. My vision is to continue growing alongside Roadgrass, raising the standard of our work and contributing to the company’s reputation and impact.
Being part of a farm that values people, growth, and collaboration has shown me that agriculture is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle, a learning experience, and a path to meaningful contribution.
If I could speak directly to readers of my story, I would say: stay true to yourself and follow your dreams and passions, no matter what they are. Life often takes us on unexpected paths, but opportunities can lead to personal fulfillment you might never have imagined.
A typical day on the farm starts early. I begin with a shower and head to the production site, where I inspect the older houses, observe the birds’ behaviour, ensure the environment is optimal, and delegate tasks for the day. I also catch up on administrative work in the office before returning home.