About Zeeplan
A transformative regenerative agriculture partnership in Zeerust, North West Province, South Africa
Our Mission
To transform a 600-hectare Bushveld farm into a thriving, sustainable, and profitable regenerative agriculture operation through innovative practices, diversified revenue streams, and a fair partnership structure that benefits all stakeholders while preserving the land for future generations.
The Farm
Current State
- •Location: Zeerust, North West Province, South Africa
- •Size: 600 hectares of Bushveld farmland
- •Current Stocking: 72 LSU cattle
- •Sekelbos Encroachment: 70% of land affected
- •Current Revenue: R233,000-R297,000/year
Future Vision
- •Target Stocking: 104 LSU (+44% increase)
- •Revenue Streams: 8+ diversified income sources
- •Sekelbos Cleared: 260ha over 5 years
- •Year 5 Revenue: R1.13M-R1.78M/year
- •Growth: +384% revenue increase
Core Values
Sustainable Growth
Building long-term value through regenerative practices that improve land quality while increasing productivity.
Fair Partnership
Creating win-win outcomes where all partners benefit proportionally to their contributions and risk.
Excellence
Implementing best practices in operations, systems, and management to maximize efficiency and outcomes.
Partnership Principles
Performance-Based
Equity is earned through achieving measurable revenue milestones, protecting all parties.
Risk Protection
Year 1 zero equity ensures alignment of interests and protects family farm control.
Family First
Oom Hein and Eben maintain 70% combined ownership, preserving family farm legacy.
Transparent Growth
Clear milestones, regular reporting, and shared decision-making throughout the journey.
The Partnership Team
Oom Hein
Land + Operations
Provides land and operational oversight, maintaining the farm's agricultural heritage.
Eben
Infrastructure + Family
Contributes infrastructure and represents family interests in the partnership.
Hans
Sweat Equity + Livestock
Brings systems, planning, marketing expertise and livestock investment through performance-based earn-in.
Why This Partnership Matters
This partnership represents more than just a business venture—it's a model for sustainable agriculture that can be replicated across South Africa and beyond. By combining traditional farming knowledge with modern regenerative practices, we're creating a blueprint for how agriculture can be both profitable and environmentally responsible.
The phased equity structure ensures that all partners have skin in the game while protecting the family farm legacy. With zero cash investment required from Hans, this creates an accessible pathway for skilled operators to enter agriculture without capital barriers, while existing landowners benefit from expertise and systems they may not otherwise access.
Most importantly, this partnership demonstrates that regenerative agriculture isn't just good for the environment—it's economically superior, with projected revenue growth of 384% over five years benefiting all stakeholders.
Meet the Partners
Three partners bringing complementary strengths to create a thriving regenerative agriculture operation
Oom Hein
Land Ownership & Operations
Experience
Decades of farming experience in the Zeerust Bushveld region with deep knowledge of local conditions, cattle ranching, and sustainable land management practices.
Contribution
- 600 hectares prime Bushveld farmland
- Day-to-day operational oversight
- Local market relationships and knowledge
- Existing cattle operation (72 LSU)
Role
Manages daily farm operations, oversees livestock care, and maintains relationships with local suppliers and markets. Ensures operational continuity and preserves family farming heritage.
Eben
Infrastructure & Family Partnership
Relationship
Son-in-law to Oom Hein, representing the next generation of family farm stewardship. Committed to preserving and growing the family agricultural legacy.
Contribution
- Existing farm infrastructure and buildings
- Capital investment for improvements
- Family continuity and succession planning
- Strategic input on major decisions
Role
Provides infrastructure investment and represents family interests. Works alongside Oom Hein to maintain 70% family control while enabling growth and modernization.
Hans
Systems, Planning & Marketing
Expertise
Agricultural systems design, financial management, strategic planning, marketing, and regenerative agriculture practices. Specializes in farm diversification and revenue optimization.
Contribution (Zero Cash)
- R48K-98K livestock investment (pigs, goats, chickens)
- Comprehensive sweat equity (valued at R600K-900K)
- Financial tracking and production systems
- Marketing strategy and brand development
- Diversification planning and implementation
Role & Earn-In Structure
Implements systems, manages financials, develops marketing channels, and drives diversification. Equity earned through performance: 0% Year 1, 15% Year 2, 22.5% Year 3, 30% Years 4-5 based on achieving revenue milestones.
5-Year Commitment
- Systems: Financial tracking, inventory management, KPIs
- Planning: Enterprise mix optimization, capital allocation
- Marketing: Branding, distribution, direct-to-consumer sales
- Operations: Process improvement, efficiency gains
Combined Partnership Strength
Land & Legacy
600ha prime farmland + decades of operational experience = Foundation for sustainable growth
Capital & Infrastructure
Existing buildings + family commitment = Stable base for expansion without external debt
Systems & Expertise
Modern practices + strategic planning = 384% revenue growth with diversified risk
Why This Partnership Is Low-Risk
Designed to protect all partners while maximizing growth potential
Year 1 Prove-It Phase
Hans starts with 0% equity and must demonstrate value by achieving R340K+ revenue (46% above baseline) before earning any ownership stake.
70% Family Control
Oom Hein (35%) + Eben (35%) = 70% family ownership. Hans can never outvote the family on major decisions. Family legacy is protected.
Performance-Based Milestones
Hans only earns equity by hitting specific revenue targets each year. If targets are missed, equity progression stops. No performance = no ownership increase.
R0Zero Cash Required from Oom Hein & Eben
Hans Invests
- R48K-98K livestock (pigs, goats, chickens)
- Comprehensive sweat equity (systems, planning, marketing)
- R0 cash from family
What You Provide
- 600 hectares farmland (existing asset)
- Current cattle operation (72 LSU)
- Existing infrastructure and buildings
- No new capital required
Equity Progression: Safe & Measured
Year 1: Prove It
Hans: 0% equity, R120K-180K salary
Milestone: Revenue ≥ R340K (+46%)
Year 2: Earn 15%
Hans: 15% equity (if Year 1 target met)
Family: 85% combined (42.5% + 42.5%)
Year 3: Earn 22.5%
Hans: 22.5% equity (if targets continue)
Family: 77.5% combined (38.75% + 38.75%)
Years 4-5: Final 30%
Hans: 30% equity (full partnership)
Family: 70% combined (35% + 35%)
Built-In Exit Options
Year 1 Exit
If Hans doesn't deliver in Year 1, he stays at 0% equity. You can exit the partnership with no ownership given away. Hans takes his livestock and leaves.
Year 3 Review
Clear exit clause at Year 3. If the partnership isn't working, either party can exit with fair market value buyout terms. No long-term lock-in.
Year 5 Options
Continue partnership, buy out Hans's equity, or Hans buys increased stake. Multiple paths forward based on 5 years of proven performance.
The Bottom Line
Zero cash risk: You invest nothing. Hans brings the capital and sweat equity.
Proven performance required: Hans must hit revenue targets or equity stops growing.
Family control protected: 70% ownership means you always have final say.
Multiple exit points: Year 1, Year 3, Year 5 - you're never locked in.