By Lebogang Mashala
With the El Niño phenomenon posing a severe threat of drought, African Farming took a proactive approach to provide insights and strategies to help farmers through this challenging time.
About 200 farmers attended the first farmers’ day of 2024, where the programme covered a broad range of topics presented by some of South Africa’s leading farmers and industry experts. The presentations focused on strategies to help farmers navigate volatile climatic conditions and ways to improve efficiency and profits with minimal resources.
Amos Njoro, managing director of Ya Rona Temo Farming, a commercial mixed operation of livestock and grain farming on the border of Gauteng and Free State, shared some of the lessons he has learnt and the strategies he has applied to become successful.
Sylvester Lubambo, the training and development manager at Afgri’s Lemang Agricultural Services, discussed the services the company provides to emerging farmers. He explained the short courses offered by Lemang, which included mixed farming systems, farm planning, farm business management, farm finance and record-keeping, crop and animal care, and crop production.
Lubambo said Lemang works directly with new-era farmers and their mentors to improve yields by providing finance, training and exposure to the latest technology and best practices.
Khomotso Mashiloane of Red Meat Industry Services’ (RMIS) inclusive growth division shared strategies to improve livestock production, particularly with regards to animal health and nutrition. He also highlighted RMIS’s objectives in driving transformation and enterprise development in the red meat industry.
Barry Nel, an experienced agronomist from FarmSol, discussed strategies for boosting crop yields and minimising risks, particularly under drier conditions expected in the next season. “By applying best agricultural practices, farmers can minimise risk and achieve reasonable yields to keep their businesses afloat,” said Nel.
With livestock farmers facing lower weaner prices due to the drought, which could also see the market flooded as farmers try to destock as a means to survive, farmers were given tips on how producing animals fit for the market would bolster their profits. Patrick Sekwatlakwatla, Sernick Group’s marketing and transformation manager, offered advice on how to produce better-quality livestock demanded by the market to beat low prices. Arno Ferreira of Molatek, one of the leading animal nutrition companies, gave tips on deriving value from animal feeds and licks.
Livestock farmer Dintoe Taunyana from Thaba Nchu emphasised the importance of expert knowledge for farmers, especially on days like this when African Farming brings them together. Taunyana said presentations by veterinarians and experts from animal health and nutrition companies help them stay up-to-date with the latest diseases and nutritional needs for their livestock. “We need these kinds of sessions at least every six months to ensure that we can produce to the standard and level required to be profitable,” said Taunyane.
Simphiwe Qusheka, another farmer from Thaba Nchu, expressed the need for more days like this, saying they help smallholder farmers like him gather information and interact with companies such as Afgri, where he buys most of his supplies, especially poultry feed. “We are proud to have African Farming here in Thaba Nchu because I am an avid reader and follower of African Farming, and I find the information they provide helpful for my mixed farming operation of vegetables, poultry and sheep,” said Qusheka.
