New technology remains important for South Africa

October 2017

Jannie de Villiers, CEO

Following my recent visit to the USA, I wish to make a few comments about my observations. In short, it boils down to the fact that the South African grain producers are fairly more dependent on the development of new technology than their American counterparts.

On the farms we visited and from discussions with people at the Farm Progress Show, it appeared that the climate and government support were the most important reasons why the producers still remain in production – more so than the technology they employ. The land is fertile, the rainfall excellent and if they experience a rare mishap, the government buys them out of trouble.

I also saw something of the Agri SA dream there – unity about agriculture. The people cherish their producers. Similarly, I also saw and experienced how in their communities, they afford time and opportunity to honour their armed forces.

During halftime at a football game we attended one evening, all the people stood up and for quite some time applauded a soldier who was on home leave and who came and stood in one corner of the field. It reminded me of the time when we were on a weekend pass and went to church in full uniform. Everyone prayed for you and extended their best wishes.

There is very little we can do about the climate, but about getting the government and the people of the country behind us, we can definitely do something. It involves our hearts. On account of the ferocity of our climate, technology – now and also in the future – plays a bigger and more important role. Some of the producers we visited, were not in the least concerned about the drought tolerance of maize. They have more damage because of waterlogging than drought!

It makes one wonder at what speed the technology we require, becomes available. With my limited knowledge of the various production techniques and crop practices, I am left under the strong impression that some of the new technology currently under development, is progressing in smaller increments than we were used to formerly.

Everybody flies drones nowadays, but the technology with which the images gathered are converted to data that we as producers can use to improve our productivity, has not yet been fully developed. A reality we will have to surmount is that those producers who need the technology most to survive, are not necessarily those with the financial resources to have it developed.

The exhibitions by the input suppliers were absolutely impressive and the costs with regards to demonstrations spoke of money and not of any difficulty with resources. However, it transpired that our American counterparts were not necessarily making more money than us. This I heard some of our own producers say.

It is nice to be home again, to eat lamb chops and sleep in your own bed. I sleep peacefully, because I know that the world will not just run out of food considering everything that is still on its way and the knowledge pertaining to grain production. Who will produce it in future, certainly is an open question.

Considering how our producers’ ingenuity compares with those of the USA, we will definitely be one of those countries that will still produce.

Publication: October 2017

Section: Features