About Frits van Oudtshoorn
Working on Grass is built around the consulting, publishing, and field work of grassland ecologist Frits van Oudtshoorn: practical, science-based land management for Southern Africa.
Frits also runs Africa Land-Use Training (ALUT), an accredited training provider. Formal courses are offered through ALUT separately. Visit alut.co.za.
Frits van Oudtshoorn
"My goal is to bridge the gap between science and the farmer — sustainable land management builds resilient, profitable agricultural businesses for generations to come."
Frits grew up on a farm in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and has spent more than 30 years working as a rangeland and pasture consultant, training provider, and author. He holds a Master's degree in Nature Conservation, specialising in Ecological Restoration, and grounds his work in both practical experience and sound scientific principles.
He is widely regarded as one of Southern Africa's leading practical experts on grasslands and veld management. His consulting spans commercial livestock farms, game ranches, nature reserves, and land rehabilitation projects. His approach is straightforward: science-based advice, communicated in plain language and tailored to the specific conditions of each farm or property.
Frits is the author of two authoritative publications: Guide to Grasses of Southern Africa (3rd edition, the only full-colour grass identification guide for the region) and Veld Management: Principles and Practices. He also developed the GrassPro Southern Africa app, a mobile tool that assists with grass identification and provides extensive ecological and agricultural information on each species.
Who Frits Works With
From commercial farms to conservation sanctuaries and mines. If the work involves grass, natural rangelands or pastures and forages, Frits has likely done it.
Need expert guidance on your land or veld?
WhatsApp Frits directly — he responds personally.