Sponsored content

Leading seed supplier Pannar plays a vital role in helping this family build a legacy for future generations. By Marisa Beeton

Resego Njoro (24) is a second-generation farmer on the farm Ya Rona Temo, located outside Sebokeng, Gauteng. The significance is not lost on him or his father, Amos, who began farming at Ya Rona Temo in 2013, gradually expanding his operation and diversifying his business to other farms.

He handed Ya Rona Temo over to Resego, who is already making a name in agriculture with his business, Oarabile 21 Holdings, five years ago. Resego farms with yellow maize, soybeans and a mixed commercial cattle herd.

WATCH | Pannar plays a vital role in helping this family build a legacy

Passing Wisdom Through Generations

“My dad is no longer involved in the operations on this farm. He now focuses on his farm outside Koster, but he is there to give me advice when I need it,” says Resego. Both are acutely aware of the importance of building something for future generations.

“My dad always says, ‘Remember that you are doing it for a bigger purpose.’ He also advised me to go slowly and do what you are doing to the best of your ability before moving on to the next step,” says Resego.

Amos says it is about legacy. He wants the surname Njoro to be passed down through generations, just as he sees Botha, Viljoen or Du Plessis preserved. “I’m teaching my kids not to aim to be a millionaire. I tell them to focus on the basics, and the rest will follow.”

One of the people assisting Resego in building a strong business is Caiphas Muyambo, a representative in the Heidelberg district for Pannar, a leading seed supplier in Africa. Caiphas and Resego met just over a year ago during a farmers’ day on Ya Rona Temo. “They didn’t invite me; somebody else did. But we started talking, and they were very interested in Pannar. Last year was my first season with them,” says Caiphas.

Resego says he now relies on Caiphas for advice. “We work closely together. It is more than just a business relationship; it is a friendship centred around agriculture, and he always leaves me with something to think about.” For Caiphas, it is Resego’s willingness to learn and apply new technology that impresses him.

Caiphas Muyambo, Pannar’s Representative In The Heidelberg District (Left), Plays A Vital Role In Assisting Second-Generation Farmer Resego Njoro (Middle) To Achieve The Highest Yields On His Farm. Resego’s Father Is The Well-Known Maize And Cattle Farmer Amos (Right). Photo: Marisa Beeton — Caiphas Muyambo, Pannar’s representative in the Heidelberg district (left), plays a vital role in assisting second-generation farmer Resego Njoro (middle) to achieve the highest yields on his farm. Resego’s father is the well-known maize and cattle farmer Amos (right). Photo: Marisa Beeton

Proven Performance In Challenging Conditions

It is not just Caiphas who has won Resego over; Pannar’s hybrids have also convinced him. “My main yellow maize cultivar is PAN 5R-582R. Its resistance to drought is very strong. It is also glyphosate tolerant, so it provides that peace of mind. It is a high-potential hybrid with excellent yield,” says Resego.

Caiphas says he recommended PAN 5R-582R because Resego’s farm is in a drought-prone area. “This hybrid works well here. It is a very versatile hybrid; one you can’t go wrong with.” Proof of that was when Resego experienced an extremely dry season last year. “It still performed really well.”

As part of soil preparation, Resego rips to loosen any compaction, then he works the land with a disc harrow. He plants in November because the region doesn’t receive early rains. His plant spacing is 91cm and the plant population is 35 000 per hectare. He harvests in mid- to late-May or early June.

Also read: ‘The soil and our agri-businesses can transform the future’ – Resego Njoro

Expanding Into Soybeans

For the 2024-’25 season, he planted soybean cultivars PAN 1515R and PAN 1644R. “It’s the first time I planted them. I planted 20 hectares of each to see how they perform. The PAN 1644R performed better. It has a robust stalk and root system, which allows it to grow larger. Pods typically have four seeds, but some contain five,” he says.

He plants his soybeans in October, with harvest in April or May. However, the PAN 1644R was included in his Pannar package as a replant. “I planted it more towards November because the germination on the first attempt was poor due to the heat and dry conditions. I consulted with Caiphas and he recommended PAN 1644R. He also advised me to increase the planting density, so I planted 300 000 per hectare.”

Resego’s advice to young, is to have a clear purpose: “You need to farm with a purpose that aligns with your own goals in life. You must know how far you are willing to go to be successful.”

Inquiries: Caiphas Muyambo, 076 064 1633.