If you have planted maize and are approaching harvest, can you simply take your grain to a silo and sell it, or do you need a contract first? An African Farming reader asked the question, and we approached AFGRI for guidance.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
African Farming reader Oarabetse Meje recently posed a practical question that may be on the minds of many new and emerging grain farmers:
“If you plant maize, can you just go to a silo to sell it or do you need a contract?”
African Farming approached Menzi Ncama, senior relationship manager at AFGRI Farmer Development, for guidance on what a farmer needs to do before supplying or storing grain at an AFGRI silo.
Ncama says farmers need to register for a folio number to supply and store grain at AFGRI silos.
Also read: Expert advice from Sylvester Lubambo, training and development manager at AFGRI Farmer Development
Start by registering for a folio number
Farmers who intend delivering their grain to AFGRI can apply for a folio number through the company’s online registration system.
The registration process requires farmers to submit supporting documentation.
Ncama says applicants need:
- Certified copies of the IDs of all members, not older than three months
- Proof of address
- CK/company registration documents
- Tax clearance
- Latest three months’ bank statements
Farmers can register for a folio number through AFGRI’s online system here.
Also watch: Why Grain SA marched to the JSE over soybean pricing
Plan before the maize leaves the farm
The response highlights an important consideration for new grain farmers: harvesting a maize crop is only one part of the production process. Farmers also need to understand the requirements of the facility where they intend delivering or storing their grain.
Rather than waiting until harvest to determine where the maize will go, farmers should establish the requirements of their intended silo or buyer beforehand and ensure the necessary registration and documentation are in place.
For farmers intending to use AFGRI silos, obtaining a folio number is an important step in preparing to supply and store their grain.
Also read:
How Nozuko Cezula built her 3 000-tonne maize operation and became an award-winning exporter
One hectare and a mentor: How Success Mdluli and the Zamukele project helped Zanele Motau grow her farming dream
From herding cattle at nine to 300ha of sunflower: Obakeng Ntshabele’s farming journey
Beyond the business plan: AFGRI’s Praveen Dwarika challenges farmers to invest in themselves
It’s AFGRI feed or nothing, says seasoned livestock breeder
Eastern Cape maize project shows how partnerships can strengthen rural farming
