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Profitability at the top of
Grain SA’s list for 2019
i
t is always a challenge to write the
Point of View
for the Janu-
ary edition. Not only is the due date for the column at the end
of November, but it is a time of the year when the weather has
a major influence on how we will enter the new year.
The interval between the end of November and the middle of
January, when the column will be read, is enormous, and so much
can happen in the meantime. At the time of writing, the western
areas had not had any rain, and the planters were waiting glumly
in the sheds. The eastern Free State had not finished planting, and
the nights remained cold – despite the sweltering days.
The southern regions had finished their harvest and had a slightly
optimistic view of 2019, as there had been a breakthrough in the
wheat grading at year-end. At least there is one good reason why
2019 should be a better year for the wheat industry! They have been
last in line for so long that they almost didn’t make it.
Unfortunately, Grain SA has no influence on the weather, except
by making sure that research is at the level where we at least know
which method is the best in order to neutralise the volatility and
instability. The implacability of nature leaves grain producers very
vulnerable.
I hope that 2019 will give direction to land reform. At some stage all
the pains and discussions of 2018 have to come to a head. Organ-
ised agriculture submitted our best plan to the Presidency at the end
of November 2018 in order to place agriculture on a growth trajec-
tory. In order for this to happen, we need each other, and that is why
Grain SA is going all out to provide agriculture with a few new build-
ing blocks.
Profitability is at the top of our list for 2019. There are many
matters demanding attention, but if we miss the one about profit-
ability, the rest are of little value. Every kilogram per hectare is now
critical, as is every rand per ton in cost or price.
There are no guarantees that 2019 will be a better year, but after
2018 we are all stronger emotionally. We had an extremely chal-
lenging 2018. Yet we survived. A grain producer not only requires
a strong financial balance sheet, but also a strong emotional one.
Our marriages, families and communities also require this. We
spend many hours on our businesses, but focus very little on our
own development. We should attempt to build greater capacity to
address all the challenges. Make sure that your programme for 2019
contains an investment in your own skills so that you can be a better
producer, spouse and parent. Looking at this period in our country's
history, it seems that the people skills are what help us to succeed
in these challenging times.
Grain SA aims to move as close to our members as possible again
this year so that we can know exactly where we can make a differ-
ence. We also want to employ all our knowledge, resources and re-
lationships to find solutions to these challenges. Taking the lead in
stormy times like these requires not only bravery, but also infinite
wisdom. Please don't stop praying for our leaders. We are with you
in this battle.
All the best for 2019!
5
January 2019