May 2017 be the beginning of a GOOD CROP SEASON

While I was working for the grain processing sector, one of the legends of the poultry industry, taught me that in time of plenty, your focus as manager should be on cost cutting. Plenty does not mean you can waste money. A bigger costs base makes a difficult year in the future even more difficult.

You need to evaluate all your relationships with your suppliers.

We have seen some suppliers make big contributions and concessions to farmers during the drought. These are the input suppliers that are here for the long haul.

I also recommend that once your crops are planted or harvested, you read something new to improve your productivity on your farm. I am very excited about the prospects of new solutions through the research projects Grain SA is currently involved with. As farmers we always need to look for new improvements and Grain SA makes it our business to assist you with that. Innovation and productivity remain the key to sustainable production.

Farmers find it difficult to plan properly to go on holiday as they are attached to nature and seasons. It was also like that at the time when Jesus was born, the shepherds were still out in the field looking after their flock while most people were travelling to their home towns to be counted in the census. We appreciate your commitment to work the land and produce food for our nation, whilst most are having a holiday.

Grain SA would like to wish you a great recovery in 2017 following a very tough 2016. Let’s do our utmost best to make use of the opportunities given by God in the New Year. I also want to remind you to seed the good seed in the hearts of your loved ones during these days. Sit down with them and ask them about their dreams for the future and encourage them to hang in there in difficult times. This is what we have learnt from the past season.

Grain SA wishes you a productive and prosperous season in 2017.

Article submitted by Jannie de Villiers, CEO of Grain SA.
For more information, send an email to jannie@grainsa.co.za.