OUR STORY
Dorfa's story began with humble beginnings—two hearts full of dreams, an endless well of grace, a handful of sheep, and a deep desire to build something of our own.
We are Aiden and Leyla, two young people in love who began dreaming of a future together on a family farm called Geduld, just outside Parys in South Africa's Free State Province.
Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that something which started so small would grow into something far greater than we could ever have imagined.
On 26 March 2025, we bought our first six pregnant ewes. Today we laugh about it, but when the first lamb was born that very evening, we hadn't the slightest idea what we were doing.
What followed was a journey of learning, growth, hard work, faith, and abundant grace.
Less than a year later, we stood in the field one day, looking out at what had unfolded before our eyes. Before us stood a herd of around 150 sheep, a dedicated team of helping hands, equipment, machinery, and opportunities we could never have dreamed of.
It was in that moment that one truth became unmistakably clear: None of this can be credited to us.
Throughout our journey, we have seen God's hand at work—in every door that opened, every opportunity that came our way, and every blessing that exceeded our own ability.
That is why we say with complete conviction: Grounded in Grace
Because without His grace, there would be no Dorfa.
"From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace." – John 1:16
"Who I am is only by grace. What I have is only on loan." – Koos du Plessis
THE HEART OF DORFA
A tree is known by the fruit it bears, but its true strength lies deeper than the eye can see.
It is found in its roots, the ground in which it is anchored, and the growth that takes place long before the first fruit ever appears.
That's how we see Dorfa, too.
Our Roots are Grounded in Grace
God's grace is where it all begins. It is the reason we can look back today on a journey of growth, blessings, and opportunities far greater than we ever imagined.
As we reflect on our journey, we are constantly reminded that our success is not simply the result of our own abilities. We have experienced God's hand in every season of our farming journey, and because of that, we remain firmly rooted in gratitude for everything He has entrusted to us.
"From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace."
John 1:16
Our Growth Is Driven by Passion
Strong roots grow a strong tree.
Our growth has been made possible by grace, but it is driven by passion. Our passion for farming, our love for our animals, and our gratitude for the opportunity to do what we love every day are what shape the heart of Dorfa.
That passion lives in every lamb that is born, every challenge we overcome, and every goal we strive to achieve.
Farming is not without blood, sweat, and tears. Yet we find our greatest peace and joy when we can sit in the field, on the soil from which we were made, with our eyes fixed on the horizon and our dreams laid safely at the feet of Father Jesus.
It is there that we are reminded why we do what we do. It is there that we experience the privilege of this life and this calling most deeply.
"That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God."
Ecclesiastes 3:13
Our Fruit Is Shaped by Quality
The fruit of a tree reflects everything that has taken place beneath the surface over the years. For us, that fruit is pride and quality.
Pride in the way we farm. Pride in the care with which we raise our animals. Pride in the attention given to every order we prepare and deliver.
Quality is never accidental. It is the result of hard work, dedication, and the daily decision to do things the right way—even when no one is watching.
These are the values that are ultimately reflected in every product we deliver and in the trust our customers place in us.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... and be thankful. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Colossians 3:16–17