By Lebogang Mashala
South African farmers are recognised for their strength and resilience, but they are human as well. The stress from ongoing challenges can significantly affect their emotional and physical well-being.
I once came across a statement on social media that said, “Before you succeed in farming, it will try to kill you at least a few times.” A few weeks ago, I met with Nkosana “Farmboy” Mtambo at Duncan Serapelwane’s masterclass in Morokweng, near Vryburg. Right away, I noticed he wasn’t the usual bubbly Farmboy I knew. When I asked him what was wrong, he explained he was not feeling well; the left side of his body was becoming numb and he feared he might have a stroke. This was due to the tremendous stress he was experiencing from conditions on the farm. It had recently rained again, and almost all of his soybean crop was submerged just as he was about to begin the harvest.
Late last week I spoke with him again and he mentioned he had resumed harvesting. He described the 2025 harvesting season as the toughest in his 11-year career in crop farming. With over 1 100 mm of rain in the eastern Free State, they had fallen behind schedule, particularly with the soybeans, because of extremely wet fields. Having already harvested 60%, he had no choice but to enter the wet fields to complete the remainder of the crop, as the soybean pods had begun to crack and drop their seeds. This means the yield will take a significant hit, potentially leading to frequent breakdowns of machinery. One can only imagine the mechanical or service bills that will accrue for the equipment after harvest.
This predicament is widespread, as farmers across the country are facing similar challenges. According to Grain SA, delays in the harvesting process are evident, as deliveries to silos are falling below the average annual pace, as reported by the South African Grain Information Service (SAGIS). The organisation has also noted a rise in the importation of track belts by desperate farmers trying to get their crops off the fields.
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of Agbiz, noted the late delivery of maize this marketing year is noticeable. As of the first week of May, only 66 633 tons had been delivered, which marks a 79% decrease compared to the same period last year, a year that was already challenging for production. However, Sihlobo believes that despite the difficult start to the harvesting season, there is potential for recovery. He estimates the maize crop for the 2024/25 season could reach 14.66 million tons, representing a 14% year-on-year increase, primarily due to expected higher yields.
He concluded that the lower deliveries of maize and soybeans are not a cause for concern at this time. If the weather remains favourable, deliveries are expected to increase.
While this is good news, the challenges for farmers never seem to end. After a tough battle with armyworms at the beginning of the summer production season, farmers in the winter production areas, particularly in the Western Cape, are now facing a new issue. Slugs and snails have reportedly destroyed thousands of hectares of young winter grain crops in the Southern Cape and Overberg over the past few weeks. Farmers have already spent millions of rands purchasing tons of slug pellets.
A quick survey among companies selling snail and slug pellets in the Swellendam district reveals that farmers have purchased 370 tons of snail pellets, valued at approximately R21 million. To make matters worse, ongoing outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease are creating additional problems, especially concerning our export markets. We are awaiting an announcement from Minister John Steenhuisen regarding new regulations governing auctions to ensure full compliance with these regulations.
We commend our farmers for their strength and resilience. As we enjoy our next meal, let us take a moment to think about these heroes of our land.
Speaking of enjoying the next meal, the NAMC Food Price Monitor report for April 2025 made me want to spare a thought for my poor wallet. According to the report, several essential food items have experienced price increases exceeding the South African Reserve Bank’s inflation target of 6%. Notably, bananas, coffee, tea, apples, maize meal, cabbage and dried beans have all experienced significant price hikes.
Given the rise in food prices, it supports the idea that growing a backyard garden is no longer just a good idea but has become a necessity. We should all consider starting a garden at home (emakhaya)!
Lastly, I would like to pay tribute to one of our fallen heroes. The news of Presley Chweneyagae’s passing has sent shockwaves across the country. Those who remember the moment in 2006 when all South Africans came together to celebrate the achievement of Tsotsi, a South African film that won an Oscar, would agree that Presley was truly a hero of our land. Rest easy, Cobrizzi wa le Easy!
