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4
GRAANGIDS
2016
GRAIN GUIDE
Get your support
network in place
Our input financiers put a lot of thinking into
the new season. Even irrigation producers had
to make new plans because of the irregular
power supply. In the southern production areas
it seems as if the Southern Cape and the Over-
berg fared better than the Swartland. Rain made
the difference.
Grain SA’s Grain Guide says a lot about the
partnerships in the grain value chain. These are
the people who join us in taking responsibility
for keeping grain production sustainable. When
the margins of your business are under as much
pressure as in the past season, it is time to take
another look at all your support services and
make sure that they are in place to travel by your
side – uphill and downhill!
Research
Over the past few years research has been
given a new focus in Grain SA. We have to
take increasing responsibility for managing it
ourselves and establishing the right capacity in
the right places. We also exploited new financing
sources for research and are in the process of
implementing these. Adjustments with respect to
tillage practices and new technology will be the
passwords for successful, sustainable produc-
tion. I believe that the existing and new research
consortiums will in the future hold great benefits
for our members. Some of the agreements will
probably also be concluded with international
scientists and institutions.
The past year was a difficult production year, particularly for summer
crops. The drought caused many producers to reflect seriously again
on what to plant in future, and how the production system on each
farm should be adjusted to the changes in the climate. Agricultural
practices, together with future implement purchases, may just deter-
mine whether you will still be planting in the future or not.