Luyanda Masuku

I am a motivated, reliable and passionate agricultural graduate, holding a Diploma in Agriculture specializing in plant production and an Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension from University of Mpumalanga. I have practical experience in crop production, contract farmer support, agricultural advisory support, irrigation management and 3 months of hands-on cattle operations with Nguni and Brahman breeds. With a strong proven ability to collect yield and quality data, train smallholder farmers in English, Zulu, Swati and Ndebele, and maintain farm safety and biosecurity standards.

I aspire to contribute to agricultural operations through sound technical knowledge, effective technology transfer and accurate record keeping.

Agricultural Volunteer Assistant at Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (2025-02 – Present)

• Assisting an agricultural advisor with weekly administrative tasks
• Assisting with client enquiries and communication with farmers
• Supporting basic grain and crop related observations
• Assisting in advising farmers on what to grow and how to fully nurture that certain planted crop
• Assisting with logistics, coordination of field activities and log returns
• Assisting with the delivery of vaccines and medication for animals
• Participating in field inspections and crop monitoring
• Assisting agricultural advisors during extension activities and farmer visits
• Assisting in organizing farmer workshops and community agricultural programs
• Helping with data collection, agricultural reports and farmer's records
• Assisting with training farmers on agronomic best practices, pest management and soil fertility

Animal Production Placement (trainee) at Charlestown Community Trust (2026-03 – 2026-05)

Reason for leaving: End of contract

• Assisted with feeding routines, cattle handing in boma, branding, dehorning, herding counting, dipping, reconciliation and vaccination programs
• Gained hands-on experience managing brahman and Nguni cattle breeds
• Supported weaning process by separating calves from cows at 6/7 months for sale, monitored calf weight gain and health
• Recorded livestock data including animal numbers, treatment records and health monitoring under farm manager supervision
• Participated in farm safety and land management through construction and maintenance of firebreaks

Student on WIL at Mthombeni Family Group (2024-02 – 2024-11)

Reason for leaving: End of contract

• Participated in soil sampling, analysis interpretation and fertilizer and maintenance for crop performance
• Participated in thinning, pruning and in fruits and vegetables harvesting, washing, grading, packaging, quality control and selling
• Assisted with crop production activities including land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, scouting and pest and disease management
• Conducted orchard inspections to monitor soil health, crop growth stages and their health
• Supported implementation of safety standards and good agriculture practices
• Assisted with orchard management activities
• Recorded fruit size, brix percentage and packout data
• Maintained cleanliness and hygiene standards in production areas

Student at University of Mpumalanga (2022-02 – 2023-11)

Reason for leaving: End of practical's

• Assisted in crop scouting and data collection for academic practical's report
• Performed planting, weeding, harvesting and general crop maintenance tasks
• Assisted and participated in grafting
• Operated basic farm tools and small machinery under supervision
• Assisted with greenhouse and nursery management

Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension – University of Mpumalanga (2025)

Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production – University of Mpumalanga (2024)

National Senior Certificate – Ziphakamiseni High School (2021)