In celebration of Women’s Month 2025, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable women driving growth, innovation, and sustainability in South Africa’s macadamia industry. One such leader is Karen Carlton-Shields, a grower in Oribi Gorge on the Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast. Karen and her husband left the corporate world to pursue her dream of farming. Her journey reflects courage, passion, and determination. Through her leadership Fairview Farm is thriving as a sustainable farm focused on community upliftment, and environmental stewardship.
“Every year brings new challenges and obstacles to overcome. We have certainly learnt that farming is not an easy life, but we cannot think of a better place to be.”
Background
My husband Robert and I bought Fairview Farm in 2011 after being in the corporate world for our working careers. For as long as I can remember I had had a dream of farming, specifically coffee in Kenya. When I met Robert, he supported my dream, but wasn’t keen on leaving South Africa. We did our homework, researched various crops and areas, and finally we were fortunate enough to be able to purchase our beautiful farm. We took over Fairview Farm on 1 June 2011 and hit the ground running. Since then, we haven’t stopped learning. Every year brings new challenges and obstacles to overcome. We have certainly learnt that farming is not an easy life, but we cannot think of a better place to be.
Farm Operations
Together with my team, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations on the farm. From orchard management, to harvesting, pruning, irrigation, nutrition, pest management and everything in between, I handle all aspects. We focus on ensuring that our decisions consider the future of the farm, therefore we place significant emphasis on orchard sustainability and orchard rejuvenation. These important practices ensure our orchards will still be in good condition for years to come.
Focus Areas
Our special focus areas on the farm centre around sustainability, from an orchard perspective. We make sure that integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable practices are part of how we do business. This includes rehabilitation of grasslands and eradication of alien plants and vegetation, as well as the sustainable development of our people so that they can prosper. This allows us to maintain high quality relationships with our community, our suppliers and our customers.
Robert and I are very proud of the people who work with us, the Fairview Family. We have learnt so much from them and have enjoyed being part of their journeys and growth. We know that our farm is in good hands.
