The farmers’ associations of Roedtan, Crecy, Tuinplaas and Nyl on the Springbok Flats in Limpopo have come up with a bright idea to compare sunflower cultivars, cultivation practices and other inputs while simultaneously raising funds for rural safety equipment.

By Jasper Raats, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

The project, launched this year and running until August or September 2026, combines producer development with practical cultivar evaluation under real farm conditions in the form of a yield competition.

Producers across the four areas are invited to plant at least one hectare of dryland sunflowers using a cultivar of their choice from Agricol, Pannar or Syngenta. There is no limit to a farmer’s total sunflower plantings, but the competition focuses solely on the 1-hectare blocks. The aim is to determine which seed company’s cultivars perform best under the unique climate and soil conditions of the Springbok Flats.

The winner will be determined based on the total rand value of the specific 1-hectare block. Aspects such as oil content, purity and tonnage will be included in the final calculation. To ensure transparency and objectivity, an independent observer will harvest the competition blocks and oversee the weighing process. Each participant must nominate their block for assessment beforehand.

Once assessed, the yield from the competition blocks will be sold, and the income paid to the relevant farmers’ association. The funds will then be invested in rural safety for that area, such as crime-prevention equipment like cameras or radios.

The competition will end with a prize-giving ceremony in Roedtan towards the end of winter or early spring 2026.

Also read: Sunflower’s surprising potential

The organisers say that the project offers seed companies a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their cultivars under local conditions and receive direct feedback from producers. For farmers, it is an opportunity to compare cultivars, see practical results and gain fresh management insights.

Farmers on the Springbok Flats are optimistic that the initiative will not only encourage better sunflower yields but also strengthen relationships between producers and seed suppliers. They expect the project to grow into an annual event over time, says Floris Booysen, chairperson of the Roedtan South Farmers’ Association.

Producers or sponsors who wish to participate or find out more can contact Floris Booysen at florisbooysen@gmail.com or the Roedtan South Farmers’ Association office at roedtansbv@gmail.com.