Sunflower

Soybeans: Late harvesting can cause losses March 2023 PIETMAN BOTHA,  INDEPENDENT AGRI- CULTURAL CONSULTANT   If farmers want to increase their profit and reduce their risk, it is a good idea to consider harvesting soybeans as early as possible to prevent shattering. Shatter losses due to brittle pods increase as the moisture levels of pods

Service your harvester for a good crop February 2023 PIETMAN BOTHA,  INDEPENDENT AGRI- CULTURAL CONSULTANT   Maize, sunflower or soyabean headers are one of the most important components to harvest a crop effectively. If not properly maintained, the wear and tear will have an effect on the combine harvester’s performance and a number of kernels

Corner Post February 2023 The Grain SA/Standard Bank Smallholder Farmer of the year for 2022, Joseph Tuelo Mokaleng (54), has never known any other workplace than the fresh air of the farm. To him, agriculture means life as you can live off the land and take care of your family in this way too.  Joseph

Plan ahead for the planting season January 2023 PIETMAN BOTHA,  INDEPENDENT AGRI- CULTURAL CONSULTANT   January is the most important month for farmers. Although it is not planting time yet, farmers must start planning ahead. They have to make decisions like what to plant and what to buy for the next production year.  Like most

Time to celebrate hard work and success December 2022 VALERIE CILLIERS, SA GRAAN/GRAIN EDITOR   After a two-year absence, Grain SA’s day of celebration was held at NAMPO park on 21 September. The aim of this event is to give recognition to all developing farmers who are part of the Grain SA Farmer Development Programme

Weed control is essential for crop health December 2022 PIETMAN BOTHA,  INDEPENDENT AGRI- CULTURAL CONSULTANT   All crops are very sensitive to weed competition. Weeds in the young stage of the crops can easily take up to 60% of the crops’ yield and without weed control, it can be even more.  USE OF HERBICIDES The

CORNER POST November 2022 On 21 September at Grain SA’s Day of Celebration where farmers are celebrated for their contribution to food security, Phillip (Flip) Manoto (46) was announced as the Grain SA/Absa/John Deere Financial New Era Commercial farmer of the year.  Flip joined his father Labius on the farm in 2001. Their successful partnership

Crop rotation is key to sunflower production October 2022 DR SAFIAH MA’ALI, SENIOR RESEARCHER: ARC-GRAIN CROPS, POTCHEFSTROOM SPECIALIST AND EDUCATOR   Sunflower is a crop that, relative to other crops, performs well under drought conditions. This is probably why it is popular in the marginal cropping areas of South Africa. The crop is drought tolerant

Prevent Sclerotinia in oilseed production October 2022 PIETMAN BOTHA, INDEPENDENT AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT, AND CORNÉ VAN DER WESTHUIZEN, AGRONOMIST AT PANNAR SEED   The new production season is at hand and farmers must choose which crops to produce, when to plant and how to produce the crops. It is important to understand the risks of every

The Corner Post October 2022 Mampho Adeline Thaele (46) is a finalist in the potential commercial farmer of the year competition. Apart from being a passionate lady, this mother of three is also a foster mother who has, since 2008, taken in nine foster children to offer them a chance at a better life.