Agriculture is constantly changing as new technologies emerge, production methods improve, markets evolve and climate challenges reshape food production. Farmers who continue learning place themselves in a far stronger position to build profitable, resilient businesses. This was one of the central messages from Raymond Koopstad of Partners in Agri Land Solutions (PALS) during his presentation, “Farming for the long term: A journey through challenge and success”, at African Farming’s Finance for Farmers workshop held in Worcester, Western Cape, in July 2026.
By Talitha Janse van Vuuren
This was one of the central messages from Raymond Koopstad of Partners in Agri Land Solutions (PALS) during his presentation, “Farming for the long term: A journey through challenge and success”, at African Farming’s Finance for Farmers workshop held in Worcester, Western Cape, in July 2026.
Drawing on his experience of supporting commercial farming partnerships and enterprise development, Koopstad challenged farmers to become lifelong learners who actively seek information and apply proven best practices.
“Do research,” he said.
These two words formed the foundation of much of his presentation. Agriculture rewards those who keep learning. According to Koopstad, successful farming starts long before planting or harvesting. It begins with a willingness to understand the enterprise, ask questions and keep improving.
“Read,” he urged.
Rather than relying only on what they already know, farmers should actively search for information that can improve production, increase profitability and help them overcome challenges. Knowledge, he said, has become one of the most valuable resources available to modern agriculture.
Farmers who invest time in learning are better equipped to make informed decisions, adapt to changing conditions and avoid costly mistakes. “Be prepared to learn.”
Also read: Knowledge is one input farmers should never tire of paying for
Learn from those who have already succeeded
Koopstad encouraged farmers not to work in isolation. One of the fastest ways to improve is by learning from people who have already achieved success.
“Talk to your neighbours. Talk to the best people in your industry.
Experienced farmers have often spent decades solving problems that younger producers may be encountering for the first time. Rather than trying to reinvent solutions, Koopstad believes farmers should draw on that experience.
Learning from others does not mean copying everything they do. It means understanding what works and why it works, and how those lessons can be adapted to your own farming operation. Agriculture, he said, has always been an industry where knowledge is shared between generations.
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Don’t underestimate technology
Conversations with experienced farmers remain valuable, but technology has transformed access to information, Koopstad said.
“Go onto YouTube.”
He encouraged farmers to make better use of the internet to learn from experts across the world. Whether watching production demonstrations, researching new technologies or exploring international farming systems, valuable information is readily available. The internet allows farmers to see how successful producers in other countries manage similar enterprises and respond to many of the same production challenges.
Best practice exists for a reason
One of Koopstad’s strongest messages was that successful farmers consistently apply proven production methods.
“See where they are applying best practices.”
Every agricultural commodity has production practices developed through years of research, practical experience and continuous improvement. Ignoring those principles often leads to disappointing results.
“If you’re not applying best practices, then you cannot be in agriculture.” He did not soften the message. “You’re wasting your time.”
Farmers who ignore best practices often face the same problems year after year.
“You’re going to be struggling. Every year, every day. You’re just going to complain and complain and complain.”
Instead of looking for shortcuts, Koopstad encouraged farmers to identify what successful producers are doing differently and apply those lessons consistently.
Also read: SA’s new generation of farmers: How training, technology and smart markets are driving real profits
Timing is everything
Knowledge only becomes valuable when it is applied at the right time.
Agriculture is an industry where timing can determine success or failure, Koopstad said.
“Agriculture is just saying you must do everything on time.”
Many farming activities – planting, irrigating, fertilising or spraying – have limited windows in which they should be carried out. Delays can have serious consequences.
“If you were supposed to spray today, you can’t do it tomorrow.”
Missing critical production windows can reduce yields, increase pest and disease pressure, and ultimately affect profitability.
“You must do your thing today.”
That level of discipline requires planning, organisation and commitment throughout the production season.
Also read: An engineer in the orchards – Turning a distressed farm around
Agriculture never stands still
Koopstad reminded farmers that agriculture is becoming increasingly complex. Markets change, consumer expectations evolve, input prices fluctuate and climate conditions become less predictable.
“We are dealing with a lot of challenges.”
He referred to global events that have disrupted fertiliser supplies and increased production costs, illustrating how developments far beyond South Africa’s borders can affect local farming businesses.
Export markets are also changing, with consumers placing greater emphasis on sustainable production methods and reduced chemical use.
Keeping up with these changes requires farmers to stay informed and be willing to adapt. Standing still, Koopstad suggested, is no longer an option.
Success starts with the right attitude
Throughout his presentation, Koopstad returned to one basic principle: Successful farmers never stop learning.
For him, learning is not an occasional activity but a daily habit. Farmers who ask questions, learn from others, embrace technology and apply best practices give themselves the best chance of building resilient, profitable businesses.
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