By this time, we had already learned so much in one day, that we never expected to be wowed at our last stop, Wilken potato farm. Who would have expected a potato farm in the heart of the Great Karoo - and such a successful one at that! At the time of our visit, some of the workers were hard at work harvesting in the field, while their colleagues in the shed were diligently sorting and packing potatoes. Louis and Jaco Wilken explained that they distribute their potatoes to the markets in Bloemfontein and Cape Town, as well as supplying the McCain company with large potatoes for oven chips. Wilken potatoes are also one of only a few suppliers of tubers (seed potatoes) to GWK. After potatoes had been harvested from a piece of land, that particular field has to rest for up to five years before the next crop of potatoes can be planted there again. In the mean time, grains like maize or wheat are planted there. This dynamic farm is another great example of the potential of the Orange Fish River tunnel being put to good use.
After we had a chance to broaden our understanding of potato farming, the Wilken family surprised us with refreshing cooldrinks, the freshest cupcakes and even complimentary packets of potatoes and butternuts! What an extraordinary way to end a wonderful and informative day out!