Ilze was born in Bothaville, Free State, in South Africa, and cherishes her family above all. She and her husband, Rainer, share a love for adventure and agriculture. Growing up on a farm fostered her deep respect for nature, leading her to pursue environmental sciences, specializing in zoology and physiology at North-West University Potchefstroom. 

Since March 2020, Ilze has been an integral part of VFF, working under a H2A agricultural visa. With aspirations for long-term growth, she applied for a more permanent status in 2022. At VFF, she is active in the office, runs the scalehouse, and can operate a spreader, turner, loader, and a grain cart. Ilze’s dedication to family and commitment to personal and professional growth make her a valued member of the VFF team.