Skyvines

01/09/2026

Need help with your borehole registration?

Navigating water-use requirements can be confusing. At Skyvines, we guide farmers and landowners through the process, help you understand your requirements, and assist with preparing the necessary information and documentation.

You focus on your farm — we’ll help you navigate the compliance process.

AgricultureSA SustainableAgriculture FarmManagement

28/08/2026

From orchards in bloom and thriving crops to open roads, new landscapes and experiences across borders — agriculture has a way of taking us places.

At SkyVines, we’re passionate about seeing, learning and connecting with the people and practices that shape the food and agricultural industry.

AgriBusiness AgriculturalJourney FieldToFuture AgricultureLife

26/08/2026

SCHEDULE 1 OR COMMERCIAL USE? 💧

Not all groundwater uses on a farm fall under Schedule 1.

Schedule 1 can cover certain reasonable household use, small non-commercial gardening, and livestock watering where the specific conditions are met.

However, commercial irrigation, including irrigation of orchards, vineyards, vegetables, pastures or feed crops, is not considered Schedule 1 use.

Intensive livestock operations, processing and other commercial uses also need to be assessed separately.

The 2026 registration notice specifically addresses unregistered commercial groundwater use, so it is important to understand where your farm's water use fits.

Don't assume that because a borehole is small, old or used on a farm, it is automatically exempt.

24/08/2026

DOES EVERY BOREHOLE NEED TO BE REGISTERED? 💧

Not necessarily.

The legal requirements depend on how the groundwater is being used, not simply on the fact that a borehole exists.

Schedule 1 uses may be exempt from DWS registration under the 2026 registration notice, while commercial groundwater use can have specific registration requirements.

The important question is: What is the water being used for, and what is the legal basis for that use?

Understanding your water use is the first step towards responsible and compliant groundwater management.

21/08/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/farmers-weekly-sa_the-sustainability-initiative-of-south-africa-activity-7496443304847331328-wCPd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACmVz4wBKHFD9DeBSshjfrP_3TQBnKPFojM

21/08/2026

From sunrise to sunset, long days are simply part of life at Skyvines!

Early mornings on the road, hours spent in orchards, packhouses, offices and fields, and sometimes finding ourselves in the most unexpected and interesting places.

Every day brings a new destination, a new challenge and a new story. It’s all part of what makes consulting in agriculture so rewarding — no two days ever look the same!

From the first light of the morning to the last stop of the day, we’re always on the move.

Where will the road take us next?

17/08/2026

We're Hiring
Financial & Administration Coordinator
Location: Paarl, Western Cape
Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The role is based in Paarl and requires in-office availability to support finance, administration, travel coordination, document control, and consultant support. A 5/8 appointment may be considered for the right candidate, depending on operational fit and availability.

Please submit your CV together with a short motivation outlining your relevant experience to [email protected] on or before 31 August 2026

14/08/2026

WHERE WE WERE THIS WEEK

Sometimes the road to our next client comes with a pretty beautiful view or a flat tire.

Our consultants spend plenty of time travelling between farms, packhouses and client sites — and along the way, we get to experience some of the incredible landscapes that make South Africa’s agricultural industry so special.

From mountain passes and winding farm roads to orchards, vineyards, open fields and endless skies, there is always something beautiful to appreciate along the way.

These moments are a reminder that agriculture is about more than just what happens on the farm. It’s about the land, the people, the environment and the incredible places where it all comes together.

So, this week, we’re sharing a few of the views that caught our consultants’ attention while out on the road.

💬 Which South African landscape never gets old for you? Mountains, vineyards, orchards, open fields or something else?

12/08/2026

Management systems are about so much more than simply ticking boxes for an audit.

A well-implemented management system can help your business streamline operations, manage risks, improve consistency, support your people, and build a stronger, more sustainable business.

From policies and procedures to continuous improvement and compliance, the right systems create a solid foundation for long-term success.

But what does an effective management system actually look like — and how can it add real value to your business?

Read our latest blog to find out!

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