Improving skills through training

November 2024

GRAIN SA’S FARMER DEVELOPMENT TEAM ASSISTS FARMERS TO BECOME BETTER, MORE SUCCESSFUL FARMERS. THE TEAM IS ACTIVE IN THE FIELD, WORKING AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL THROUGH FARM VISITS, STUDY GROUP SESSIONS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

This team brings experience, knowledge, expertise and commitment to equipping farmers towards better agricultural practices, as well as building a relevant support network around every dedicated developing grain farmer. During the period from 5 August to 3 September, a total of 21 training courses were presented.

INTRODUCTION TO MAIZE PRODUCTION 
Paul Wiggill presented the Introduction to Maize Production course to farmers in the Dundee region. The training was held at the offices of the Department of Agriculture in Estcourt. This department still assists farmers in doing soil sampling. 

The group of farmers who attended the course were mostly older farmers, who have been planting maize for some time. Because their practical knowledge is pretty good, Paul focussed on the theory related to the correct setting of machinery and the understanding of a more in-depth view of the maize plant and soils, which helped to increase their knowledge and understanding of why things are done like they are.

Farmer Mmiseni James Mnculwane said the following after the course: ‘This course has helped us a lot as farmers. Sometimes the theory in the class can be difficult, but I found out during the practical training why we need all the calculations. We thank you, Grain SA, because this course was very well prepared and all the people enjoyed it. The setting of the machinery was the most enjoyable for me, as most of us are hands-on farmers.’

ADVANCED MAIZE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING
There was positive feedback after the Advanced Maize Production and Marketing course, presented by mentor and trainer, Timon Filter from the Louwsburg office.

‘It was very interesting! We learned that when you are dealing with planning anything or producing food, you must firstly deal with the soil. Make sure that the soil is in a good state to produce what you need. Implements will help you get your soil in good condition. We also learned about insurance and how to calibrate the planter and boom sprayer so that you don’t waste,’ said Lungelo Ngwenya.

Nhlanhla Mlotshwa said the theory was very interesting. He learned a lot about soil elements and soil science. ‘It is very important to take soil samples before the application of lime.’

PRACTICAL SKILLS: SPRAYING AND MIXING OF CHEMICALS
The Bettysgoed Study Group is made up of a combination of small-scale farmers and community members from areas in and around the Bettysgoed Village near Carolina in the Mpumalanga Province. The study group received a few implements. There is no tractor available, as the majority of the trainees do not have tractors of their own to do farming on a larger scale. Therefore they rely on the Department of Agriculture for support.

Trainer Phineas Ngomane from the Mbombela office presented the practical skills course. The study group showed great interest throughout the session. They asked many questions, which indicated a good level of engagement from their side. Those reporting on behalf of the group said that they had learned a lot and were looking forward to getting back to conducting their farming business with the correct mixing of agricultural chemicals. They now have a better understanding on how to calibrate both a planter and a boom sprayer, as well as how to dispose of the empty containers.

AT GRASS ROOTS

These farmers from Dundee learned more about the correct setting of machinery during their course.

Timon Filter (left) with the group who attended the course in Louwsburg.

Farmers from Bettysgoed Study Group learned about spraying and the mixing of chemicals.

Let's learn more about farming

A total of 19 study group meetings took place in August and it was the perfect opportunity to prepare the farmers for the coming planting season.

At the Schuezendal Study Group, Jerry Mthombothi, regional development manager at the Mbombela office, talked to the farmers about measurements, soil composition and the climate. Deliveries and other logistics for the Beyond Abundance project were also discussed.

At the Vrischgewacht Study Group, the meeting started with an introduction to financial management and the importance of proper recordkeeping. Du Toit expressed the importance of giving true figures through to the database and explained the whole process of application for funding.

Du Toit van der Westhuizen, regional development manager in North West, visited the Tlaakgameng Study Group. This area was severely affected by drought and a discussion was held about the possibility of other crops in the area, as maize is not a viable crop to plant for this study group.

GETTING READY FOR THE NEW SEASON

The regional development managers and mentors did 116 farm visits during August. In the Dundee region, the team ensured that equipment was ready for the planting season. Apart from maintenance on equipment, soil preparation was also being done in the Eastern Free State.

John Ngwenya had to replace the drive belt on his combine. He uses the combine to shell the maize. He was still busy picking up maize that was scattered after a tornado swept through his lands.

Lucky Khumalo made sure his John Deere off-set disc was ready for the new season.

An on-farm maintenance course took place on the farm of Oujan Masiu, where farmers and farmworkers were taught how to weld and grind.

On the farm of Petrus Tsotetsi, the 2024 New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year, tractor maintenance was being done. Downtime because of faulty equipment can cause losses.

Publication: November 2024

Section: Pula/Imvula