Grain farmers from across the Free State turned out in large numbers for the 2025/26 Free State Pre-Planting Farmers’ Information Day at Grasfrij Farm in Vrede, owned by farmer Bhekumuzi Mnculwane. The event was organised by Pannar Seed, Seedlink, the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Phumelela Agri.
By Lebogang Mashala, Editor at African Farming
With the planting season fast approaching, the gathering underscored the importance of planning, budgeting and soil preparation.
One of the strongest messages of the day was the importance of planning before seed ever touches the soil.
“Without proper planning, farmers run the risk of making losses,” warned Caiphas Muyambo, Director of Seedlink and Pannar’s Farmer Development Manager. He urged producers to draw up budgets, weigh input costs carefully and select cultivars suited to their specific regions.
Tapping Into Technology
Muyambo also encouraged farmers to use available tools to make better choices. “Technology can be a game-changer. Weather forecasts, for example, can help farmers decide on the right seed varieties and management practices. If we plan with insight, we can turn past challenges into opportunities for growth.”
Phillip Hollenbach, who is Pannar’s Regional Manager for KZN and Cape Region and the company’s national Farmer Development Manager, reminded farmers that Pannar’s roots in South African agriculture date back to 1958.
“Over the decades, we’ve worked closely with farmers to develop seed cultivars that meet their unique needs. Whether it’s maize, soya, sorghum, sunflower or wheat, we make sure farmers have the right varieties for their conditions,” said Hollenbach.
He added that the company’s biggest strength lies in its partnerships with farmers. “They are the backbone of food security. Our success is built on their success.”
A Valuable Partnership
Elzabe Rockman, Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, praised Pannar and Seedlink for their commitment to farmer development. She revealed that her meeting with Muyambo and Hollenbach at Nampo 2025 laid the foundation for bringing their expertise to the province.
“To get seed is simple; anyone can sell you seed. What is difficult is finding someone willing to walk the distance with you. That’s why this partnership is so valuable,” Rockman said.
According to Rockman, the information day provided her with valuable insights that not only helped her understand what farmers go through before the planting season but also prompted her to reflect on the department’s practices. “It’s not just about purchasing inputs like seeds and fertiliser at the start of the season. We need to consider the entire preparation process,” Rockman stated. “We’ve recognised that support for farmers is not at the level it should be, particularly regarding issues like mechanisation.
“We know smallholder farmers are struggling to access tractors and equipment. Our Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs) are not serving farmers as they should. Sometimes the rates are too high, and commercial farmers are prioritised over smallholders. That is not acceptable,” she admitted.
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The Importance Of Collaboration
Rockman said collaboration with farmer organisations and the private sector is essential. “Government cannot do everything. If we want to avoid a situation where smallholder farmers are still playing catch-up after 30 years, we must close the gaps in land access, finance and mechanisation.”
She pointed to Phumelela Agri as a shining example of what farmers can achieve when they work together. “We are not saying farmers must stop working independently. But when it comes to machinery sharing, bulk buying of inputs or marketing, collective models make it cheaper and more efficient,” she explained.
The department is finalising a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Seedlink and Pannar to take these partnerships further. “This is not just about training and information days. We want to make a real difference to farmers’ bottom lines,” said Rockman.
Rockman ended on a high note, reminding attendees of the Free State’s critical role in South Africa’s food security. “We remain the country’s top producer of white maize, sunflower and soya beans. This is something to be proud of. Each of us has a part to play in strengthening our province’s contribution to the economy.”
