Maywood Farm

The Cottonwood family’s journey with Maywood Farm began in 2021 when Miles and Brad leased the property, which at the time had the capacity to house 20,000 laying hens. When the farm became available for purchase in 2023, they seized the opportunity to make it a permanent part of their family farming business, Cottonwood Farming (Pty) Ltd.

Since then, the family has continued to invest in the business, expanding the layer operation to approximately 37,000 hens. Egg production forms one part of a diverse farming enterprise that also includes sugar cane, vegetables, timber, beef cattle and an Nguni goat herd. 

The Cottonwood family’s journey with Maywood Farm began in 2021 when Miles and Brad leased the property, which at the time had the capacity to house 20,000 laying hens. When the farm became available for purchase in 2023, they seized the opportunity to make it a permanent part of their family farming business, Cottonwood Farming (Pty) Ltd.

Since then, the family has continued to invest in the business, expanding the layer operation to approximately 37,000 hens. Egg production forms one part of a diverse farming enterprise that also includes sugar cane, vegetables, timber, beef cattle and an Nguni goat herd. 

For the Cottonwood family, farming is far more than a profession—it is a way of life. Across three generations, a passion for the land, livestock and agriculture has shaped both the family and the business, providing a strong foundation for the future.

The layer facility is at the heart of Maywood Farm, producing approximately 32,000 fresh eggs each day. The eggs are collected by Midlands Eggs, where they are graded, packed and distributed throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

The family continually invests in nutrition, housing and farm management to maintain healthy, productive flocks and produce consistent, high-quality eggs. Their practical, hands-on approach to farming reflects a commitment to continual improvement and long-term sustainability.

Clive began his farming career in 1989 on a sugar cane estate in Hibberdene. Shortly after marrying in 1992, he and Valinda moved to Richmond, where Cottonwood Farm, neighbouring Maywood Farm, was established in 1993. Their daughter, Kerryn, was born in 1994, followed by their son, Brad, in 1996.

For more than three decades, Clive and Valinda have worked side by side to build a successful and diversified farming business. While Clive has led the farming operations, Valinda has managed the administration, together building a family enterprise founded on hard work, resilience and a genuine passion for agriculture.

Today, they have stepped back from the day-to-day management of the business, entrusting much of the responsibility to the next generation while continuing to provide guidance, support and the benefit of decades of farming experience.

After completing his Agricultural Degree at Cedara Agricultural College, Brad travelled to Columbus, Nebraska, where he gained valuable experience working on a large-scale potato farming operation. The practical skills and knowledge he acquired continue to influence his approach to farming today.

Brad returned to Richmond in 2019 to join Clive in the family business, becoming actively involved in the continued growth and development of Cottonwood Farming.

He married Candice in 2026. Having grown up in Kloof, Candice now owns and manages a small playgroup in Richmond, where she enjoys nurturing and educating young children. Together they share a love of country living and look forward to building their future on the farm.

Since 2021, Cottonwood Farming has developed a valued partnership with Midlands Eggs. While the Cottonwood family focuses on producing fresh, high-quality eggs through responsible farming practices and careful flock management, Midlands Eggs collects, grades, packs and distributes the eggs throughout KwaZulu-Natal. This partnership allows each business to focus on its area of expertise while ensuring consumers receive consistently fresh, locally produced eggs from a trusted family farming operation.

The layer facility is at the heart of Maywood Farm, producing approximately 32,000 fresh eggs each day. The eggs are collected by Midlands Eggs, where they are graded, packed and distributed throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

The family continually invests in nutrition, housing and farm management to maintain healthy, productive flocks and produce consistent, high-quality eggs. Their practical, hands-on approach to farming reflects a commitment to continual improvement and long-term sustainability.

Clive began his farming career in 1989 on a sugar cane estate in Hibberdene. Shortly after marrying in 1992, he and Valinda moved to Richmond, where Cottonwood Farm, neighbouring Maywood Farm, was established in 1993. Their daughter, Kerryn, was born in 1994, followed by their son, Brad, in 1996.

For more than three decades, Clive and Valinda have worked side by side to build a successful and diversified farming business. While Clive has led the farming operations, Valinda has managed the administration, together building a family enterprise founded on hard work, resilience and a genuine passion for agriculture.

Today, they have stepped back from the day-to-day management of the business, entrusting much of the responsibility to the next generation while continuing to provide guidance, support and the benefit of decades of farming experience.

Miles began his farming career in 2016 and has been committed to building a sustainable future for his family ever since. Kerryn grew up on Cottonwood Farm, where she developed a deep appreciation for farming and the values of hard work, family and country life.

The couple met during their school years and married in 2017. Today they are proud parents to Annabelle, Thomas and Madison and are raising their family on the farm they now call home.

They are passionate about farming and believe there is no better place to raise a family than on the land, where their children can enjoy the same freedom, experiences and appreciation for nature that shaped Kerryn’s own childhood

After completing his Agricultural Degree at Cedara Agricultural College, Brad travelled to Columbus, Nebraska, where he gained valuable experience working on a large-scale potato farming operation. The practical skills and knowledge he acquired continue to influence his approach to farming today.

Brad returned to Richmond in 2019 to join Clive in the family business, becoming actively involved in the continued growth and development of Cottonwood Farming.

He married Candice in 2026. Having grown up in Kloof, Candice now owns and manages a small playgroup in Richmond, where she enjoys nurturing and educating young children. Together they share a love of country living and look forward to building their future on the farm.

Since 2021, Cottonwood Farming has developed a valued partnership with Midlands Eggs. While the Cottonwood family focuses on producing fresh, high-quality eggs through responsible farming practices and careful flock management, Midlands Eggs collects, grades, packs and distributes the eggs throughout KwaZulu-Natal. This partnership allows each business to focus on its area of expertise while ensuring consumers receive consistently fresh, locally produced eggs from a trusted family farming operation.