Grain farmers should thrive and not just survive

May 2025

THE 2025 GRAIN SA CONGRESS was HELD ON 12 AND 13 MARCH UNDER THE THEME A PRODUCER’S JOURNEY, FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING. DISCUSSIONS FOCUSED ON POLICY ENGAGEMENT, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, ECONOMIC RESILIENCE, AND GLOBAL MARKET TRENDS AFFECTING SOUTH AFRICAN GRAIN PRODUCERS.

In his farewell address, outgoing Grain SA chairperson, Derek Mathews, highlighted the strength and commitment of South African grain farmers. He applauded the agricultural sector’s ability to adapt to economic volatility, climate challenges and shifting legislative landscapes while reaffirming Grain SA’s dedication to farmer development and national food security.

‘As farmers, we have shown resilience in the face of numerous challenges, but we must continue working together to secure a sustainable future for grain production in South Africa,’ Mathews stated, expressing gratitude to industry partners and the farming community for their support during his time in office.

Richard Krige was elected the new chairperson, joined by vice-chairpersons Danie Minnaar and Jeremia Mathebula. This leadership team is committed to building on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors and ensuring that Grain SA remains the trusted voice of South African grain producers.

‘As we move forward, our focus will remain on ensuring that grain producers are well-represented, that their interests are safeguarded, and that we work collectively to overcome challenges while seizing new opportunities,’ said Krige.

OTHERS HAVE THEIR SAY
South Africa’s minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, addressed Congress, acknowledging the critical role of the grain sector in ensuring national food security, economic growth and rural employment. He pledged government support to help the sector navigate challenges such as climate change, economic pressures, rural safety and regulatory inefficiencies.

Paul Temple, a UK grain producer and vice-chairperson of the Global Farmer Network, delivered a keynote address emphasising adaptability in the face of evolving global agricultural landscapes. He highlighted the importance of conservation agriculture, sharing his personal transition from high-intensity cultivation to minimum till farming and cover cropping. By adopting these sustainable practices, he significantly reduced input costs while improving soil health. He encouraged South African grain farmers to embrace similar approaches, noting that soil regeneration is a crucial investment in long-term productivity.

During the panel discussions a panel of experts explored strategies for strengthening South African grain production. A key theme of the discussion was the importance of understanding economic cycles and cost structures. With grain and oilseed prices experiencing downward trends while input costs remain high, farmers were urged to closely track their cost of production. 

Panelists stressed the need for a shift from short-term survival strategies to long-term planning. While many producers focus on immediate financial survival, a more strategic approach – such as investing in technology, improving efficiency, and diversifying income sources – was recommended to ensure competitiveness in an unpredictable market.

Todd Heap, Bayer’s Global Corn Strategy Lead, provided insights into cutting-edge innovations in maize production and the importance of continued investment in agricultural technology. He emphasised that technological advancements, including seed genetics, precision breeding, and digital agriculture, are essential to improving yields and reducing environmental impact. Heap highlighted the development of shorter stature maize hybrids, designed to improve drought resilience by increasing root mass and water retention.

The 2025 congress once again brought together key stakeholders, industry experts and policymakers to address pressing challenges and opportunities in the grain sector.

SUMMARY
The 2025 Grain SA Congress underscored the sector’s transition from surviving to thriving. With ongoing advancements in seed genetics, digital insights, and resilient crop protection strategies, South African grain producers are well-positioned for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Grain SA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers through economic challenges by providing access to information, facilitating discussions on best practices, and advocating for policy changes that benefit the industry. Farmers were encouraged to embrace long-term strategic planning, invest wisely in technology, and strengthen collaborations across the value chain to build a resilient and thriving agricultural sector.

As the Congress concluded, industry leaders emphasised the need for continued innovation, policy engagement, and knowledge-sharing to ensure that South African grain producers remain at the forefront of global agricultural advancements.

Publication: May 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula

Author: PULA EDITORIAL TEAM