Morne Olivier

Hands-on agricultural professional with extensive experience in vineyard supervision and management, vegetable production, composting, irrigation, soil-focused production and farm infrastructure. Proven experience leading teams, managing operational budgets, coordinating production activities, maintaining records and supporting farm compliance. Particularly strong in practical problem-solving, systems, cost control and getting involved in the work required to keep a farm operating efficiently.

Vegetable Production Team Leader at Babylonstoren (2026-08 – Present)

• Leading the vegetable production team in the garden supplying the estate's restaurants.
• Production approach centred on building soil health first, rather than chasing short-term crop yield.
• Daily irrigation decisions based on hands-on assessment of soil condition.
• Managing compost production
• Manage operation budgets

Vegetable Production Team Assistant at Babylonstoren (2024 – 2026-08)

• Ran ±1 hectare of intensive vegetable production, including pumpkins.
• Managing compost production
• Manage operation budgets

Senior Supervisor: Vineyard at Babylonstoren (2020-11 – 2022-03)

• Supervised daily farm operations; planned projects including chemical preparation, pruning and suckering.
• Produced weekly activity and wage progress reports.
• Worked alongside the estate's olive production team, gaining working knowledge of grove management and olive oil production.

Tour Guide at Babylonstoren (2022-03 – 2024)

• Guided farm, mountain, fly-fishing, garden, essential oils and water buffalo tours and activities.
• Guided olive-related guest experiences and presented olive varieties and olive oil production processes.
• Maintained vehicles and activity equipment; assisted with workshops and tour scheduling.

Vineyard Manager at Backsberg Wine Estate (2019-01 – 2020-11)

• Full responsibility for irrigation, crop protection, fertilization and weed control across 65 hectares.
• Managed 16–18 permanent workers and approximately 80 seasonal/casual workers during harvest.
• Controlled an operational budget of approximately R2 million.
• Procured chemicals, materials, tools and diesel for the general farm.
• Handled departmental HR matters and supported development of a farmwide clocking system.
• Maintained documentation and conformance for LACON, SIZA and WIETA audits.

Maintenance Manager at Backsberg Wine Estate (2018-08 – 2019-01)

• Stock planning and procurement for building sites; plumbing maintenance; vineyard irrigation maintenance; supervision.

Maintenance Superintendent at KCGC Productions (2016 – 2018)

Plumbing, construction, basic electrical and carpentry; foreman duties; geyser and solar installations; stock planning and insurance reporting.

Plumber Apprentice at Plumbguarantee (2016 – 2018)

Plumbing, construction, basic electrical and carpentry; foreman duties; geyser and solar installations; stock planning and insurance reporting.

Intern at Winelands Solar (2016 – 2018)

Plumbing, construction, basic electrical and carpentry; foreman duties; geyser and solar installations; stock planning and insurance reporting.

Short Course in Vineyard Management – Stellenbosch University

Bachelor of Theology in Theology – South African Theological Seminary (2010 – 2015)

Certificate in Higher Christian Counselling – South African Theological Seminary (2010 – 2015)

Matric – Potchefstroom Gimnasium (2009)