2021

Telling our own story first-hand November 2021 Grain SA’s farmer development team is actively contributing to the dream of a united and prosperous agricultural sector. We are proactive about teaching farmers the most appropriate and modern farming techniques that we believe will change their unique farming operations for the better. This is a team made

A word from … Jannie de Villiers November 2021 I retired as CEO of Grain SA at the end of August this year. This is a farewell message to all Grain SA members and participants in the Grain SA farmer development programme. At the end of my career, I can only salute you and

Top-dressing fertiliser: timing is key November 2021 PIETMAN BOTHA,  INDEPENDENT AGRI- CULTURAL CONSULTANT   The year is speeding to an end and producers must make sure that everything is done to maximise their crop yield. It is important to manage the crop according to the first production plan – especially the fertilisation and chemical programmes.

Can the farm afford you? October 2021 MARIUS GREYLING,  INDEPENDENT AGRICULTURAL  MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT   Why do you farm? Most farmers would instinctively answer ‘I love farming’ or ‘I enjoy being close to nature’ or something similar. Would you still enjoy farming if your farm cannot pay you a salary? To earn a salary you can

Get the most out of sprayers October 2021 PIETMAN BOTHA,  INDEPENDENT AGRI- CULTURAL CONSULTANT   No matter what piece of equipment you buy, it comes with a manual or user’s guide which should be read before using the equipment. Understanding how your sprayer works and brushing up on the electronics is important, so review the

Input availability and prices October 2021 IKAGENG MALULEKE,  AGRICULTURAL  ECONOMIST AT GRAIN SA   South Africa (SA) relies on imports to meet the local input needs, which places the local agricultural industry at risk regarding availability and prices from the source countries. SA’s input industries have always managed to avoid critical input shortages failing which