By Maile Matsimela
In farming, knowledge and planning are as essential as rain and sunshine. This truth became evident when Success Mdluli of the Schoeman Farming Group, whose practical wisdom offers a harvest of insight for farmers across the country, spoke to farmers at the African Farming Financial and related Production Matters Workshop in Marble Hall on 5 June.
Mdluli, who balances his professional role as a project manager with his passion for grain and pig farming, brings a unique perspective to agricultural enterprise. “I’m a part-time farmer because I still have my 9-to-5 job,” Mdluli explains. “But farming requires full-time commitment to proper planning, even if you’re not in the fields every day.”
The foundation of farming success, according to Mdluli, begins long before the first seed is planted. “You must start with understanding your environment completely,” he insists. “Proper soil testing is non-negotiable. You need to know exactly what you’re working with.” He describes how many failures in farming are the result of skipping this crucial first step. “I’ve seen farmers invest everything in crops completely unsuited to their soil conditions. They could have avoided this with proper analysis.”
Weather patterns constitute another critical factor in Mdluli’s planning approach. “Analyse rainfall data and temperature patterns – these dictate what will thrive on your land,” he says. “Farming is already unpredictable enough with changing climate conditions. Why add more uncertainty by ignoring the data available to you?”
He strongly advocates for expert consultation, particularly with agronomists. “Work closely with professionals who understand crop science. They can guide you toward the right cultivars for your specific conditions,” he advises. This collaboration extends beyond crop selection to comprehensive farm planning. “An agronomist can help you maximise productivity while maintaining soil health for the long term.”
Financial management
The conversation shifted to what Mdluli considers the downfall of many otherwise capable farmers: financial mismanagement. “I’ve seen excellent producers go under because they couldn’t manage money,” he reflects. “You can harvest record yields and still fail if your finances aren’t in order.” Mdluli emphasises the need for detailed budgeting that accounts for farming’s inherent unpredictability. “Your budget must include provisions for unexpected challenges such as pest outbreaks, equipment breakdowns, and other emergencies that might pull resources from the farm.”
Unlike traditional businesses with regular income streams, farms often receive revenue only at specific times of year. “Cash flow planning is everything,” Mdluli stresses. “You must stretch your harvest income to cover expenses for months. This requires discipline and foresight.” He shakes his head when recounting stories of farmers who splurge after a good season. “I’ve seen too many farmers buy luxury vehicles after one good harvest, only to struggle paying for farm inputs in the next season.”
The separation of personal and farm finances emerges as a recurring theme in Mdluli’s guidance. “Keep your business account and personal account completely separate,” he advises firmly. “The moment you start treating your farm as a personal ATM, you’ve begun the process of failure.” This discipline extends to investment decisions as well. “Invest in quality equipment that lasts,” he recommends. “I’ve watched farmers repeatedly buy cheap tools that constantly break down. In the end, they spend more than if they had purchased quality items initially.”
Comprehensive record-keeping
Mdluli considers comprehensive record-keeping as indispensable to farming success. “Document everything,” he emphasises. “Your yields, chemical applications, labour performance, everything.” These records become the farm’s institutional memory. “When you face a problem, your records often hold the solution. You can look back and see what worked before or understand why something failed.” He explains how detailed records also simplify securing financing when needed. “Banks are much more willing to work with farmers who can demonstrate meticulous financial tracking.”
The conversation turns to risk management, with Mdluli advocating strongly for diversification. “Never rely on a single crop or livestock type,” he cautions. “Weather might destroy your maize, but your cattle can still provide income. Markets might crash for one commodity while another remains stable.” This balanced approach has saved many farms during difficult seasons.
Weather volatility represents perhaps the greatest challenge in farming. “We can’t control the rain,” Mdluli acknowledges. “But we can prepare for its unpredictability through appropriate crop selection and irrigation planning.” He reflects on how changing climate patterns have forced adaptation in recent years. “Farmers who resist changing their methods to account for new weather patterns often struggle the most.”
Market fluctuations present another significant risk factor. “Some crops experience wild price swings,” Mdluli notes. “Sugar beans might bring excellent returns one year and devastating losses the next.” His recommendation is to balance the farm portfolio between stable-market crops and potentially higher-return but volatile options. “Consider forward contracts to lock in prices when appropriate. This provides certainty in an uncertain business.”
Beyond daily operations and financial management, Mdluli believes in farming as a means to build lasting legacies. “This work isn’t just about today’s harvest; it’s about creating generational wealth and contributing to our nation’s food security,” he says passionately. This perspective shapes his approach to farm labour and training. “Invest in educating your workers. The knowledge and skills you provide yield returns far beyond their cost.”
Instilling pride in agricultural work constitutes another cornerstone of Mdluli’s philosophy. “Help everyone on your farm understand the importance of their contribution. They’re not just tending fields; they’re feeding communities and creating sustainable livelihoods.” This sense of purpose, he believes, leads to greater commitment and better outcomes.
Long-term sustainability
Environmental stewardship features prominently in Mdluli’s long-term vision. “Implement practices that maintain soil health and environmental integrity,” he urges. “Sustainable farming ensures the land remains productive for future generations.” He speaks with concern about practices that prioritise immediate returns over long-term viability. “Your children and grandchildren will either thank you for the soil you preserve or curse you for the desert you leave them.”
As his presentation draws to a close, Mdluli reflects on the unique challenges and rewards of agricultural life. “Farming tests you like few other endeavours,” he admits. “It demands patience, resilience and constant learning. But when you watch your efforts literally bear fruit, when you see the tangible results of your planning and labour, there’s no greater satisfaction.”
