Meet The Team: Ivan Stigland
Together Ivan and his mom have worked in our vineyards for more than 36 years. His positive attitude is contagious and he believes in always giving 100%.
What do you love most about your job?
Everything. I work in the vineyards, doing compost and spraying. I’m part of everything.
What’s the best thing about Spier?
It cares for the community and the environment. Other farms still use old conventional methods of farming – using harmful chemicals, for example. By farming naturally, we’re trying to get the environment back to the way it was – healthy and in balance.
What is your greatest strength?
I try to help anywhere I can.
How do you make a positive difference to the environment?
I always recycle.
How do you make a positive difference to your community?
I share the things I’ve learnt on the farm. I encourage people not to litter, for example. We need to keep our country nice and beautiful.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
My late dad is a great inspiration. He always told me to never give up, to always give a 100%. And he encouraged me to never stop learning.
What do you get up to when you’re not at work?
I used to play soccer until I injured myself. So now I sometimes cycle. I also help around the house, cleaning.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?
I want to help tackle climate change.
Where is your favourite part of the farm, and why is it your favourite?
I love the whole farm – it’s a great experience for me to be here. I’m learning a lot of things. In addition to the vineyards, we’ve now got chickens, sheep and pigs. I love learning about how these animals are farmed.
What’s your favourite season?
Spring, the flowers are blooming.
What’s the key to being happy in life?
Be the best you can be, and help your family. I have three daughters, and they make me very happy.
What are you proudest of having achieved?
All the things I’ve learnt on the farm. The courses that I’ve done – such as the one where I learnt about pruning. The biggest achievement is yet to come, though: it’ll be when I pass my Code 14 truck drivers’ licence exam.