2021

A WORD FROM…Dr Pieter Taljaard December 2021 With thankful hearts, we can look back at the past two blessed grain seasons in South Africa. Typically as cycles go, we are particularly thankful because of the extreme dry periods we endured before. Who can still remember the frightening day zero approaching in the mother city? Important

Leaf diseases on maize: what does this season hold? December 2021 PIETMAN BOTHA,  INDEPENDENT AGRI- CULTURAL CONSULTANT   Disease can only occur when the host, pathogen and suitable environmental conditions overlap. Given the newest long-term weather forecasts producers can expect some diseases and they must be on the lookout for diseases. THE SEASON AHEAD Climate

Technology strengthens a farmer’s management abilities December 2021 JENNY MATHEWS, MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST AND EDUCATOR   Just as significant as the shift from animal power to mechanical power on farms once was, the shift over the past few decades inside the farm office has been revolutionary. Jim Carroll (American author) said that some people

Declining global maize STU supports prices December 2021 IKAGENG MALULEKE,  AGRICULTURAL  ECONOMIST AT GRAIN SA   The stocks to use ratio (STU) provides insights between supply and demand. It is a crucial indicator used to provide insight into the relationship between supply and demand. The higher the ratio, the better supplied the world or the

Learning to be an agricultural leader December 2021 PULA IMVULA EDITORIAL TEAM   Three of grain SA’s personnel recently graduated from the leadership academy for agriculture, previously known as the grain academy. The academy is sponsored by Syngenta and presented in partnership with Grain SA and the North-west University business school. The programme which previously

A positive work environment is important December 2021 Well-being refers to a state of being comfortable, happy, satisfied, healthy. Thus, when an employer cares for employees, they will be comfortable, satisfied, feel safe and secure in their working environment, and feel happy to work for the particular employer. The result being improved productivity, responsibility for

Change is necessary for growth December 2021 PULA IMVULA EDITORIAL TEAM   Grain SA has been involved in developing emerging farmers since its inception. The farmer development programme (FDP) forms one of the core business units of the organisation. The aim of the programme is to equip individual farming enterprises towards becoming self-sustainable and to

Gearing up for the new season December 2021 Food is so much more than just what we consume – food systems need to not only resolve issues of hunger but they also need to contribute to improved well-being, balanced eating plans, reduced diet-related disease and the health and sustainability of the planet. In May, Thoko