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9
March 2015
Ralph Swart
–
Grain SA
/Absa New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year
Richard Hobson
–
Grain SA
/Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year
Lungelwa Kama
–
Grain SA
/Syngenta Smallholder Farmer of the Year
Ralph Swart has been farming for over 32 years and plants wheat, barley, triticale and oats
and also runs as a livestock division that consists of sheep, cattle and ostriches.
What value has the competition and the judging thereof
had for you and your farming operation?
It has given me a lot of exposure. Doors began to open and we can now start to reap the
fruits of all our hard work – we have received donations, inputs, cash prizes and tours.
We have been to Argentina and there is a possibility of us going to Paris to the International
Agricultural Show.
What is your advice for other farmers who want to be
considered for this award?
Good decision-making and planning is cardinal. Start to seriously consider conservation
farming. Be constantly on the lookout for new challenges. Participate in agricultural invita-
tions and ask questions where necessary. Become part of Grain SA’s programmes, it is a
must. Hang in there if you are a farmer and want to stay a farmer. Mentoring is also very
important for farmers.
Mr Richard Hobson’s farming operation consists of three branches, namely grain, cattle
and wildlife.
What value has the competition and the judging thereof
had for you and your farming operation?
The adjudication team is very professional and competent and producers can really learn
from them. It is very valuable to see yourself compared to world class producers and criteria.
What is your message to other producers in South Africa?
Let’s be positive about our industry and about the opportunities it offers as well as the
challenges it presents. Let us join hands with organised agriculture, let’s make their hands
strong, so that they can give us a channel to communicate with the policymakers of
the country. Let’s make agriculture an industry with a bright future, for both black and
white producers.
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform made available a farm in the East-
ern Cape to Ms Lungelwa Kama and also provided some implements. She has managed
to lease additional land on which she plants maize and in addition to that, she also farms
with potatoes and cattle.
What value has the competition and the judging thereof
had for you and your farming operation?
It exposed me to the expertise of other farmers in South Africa and to what makes them
successful, as well as to what Grain SA is all about. I have also received financing for
my inputs from Humansdorp Co-op. Being part of the programme boosted my ego and I
have positively influenced other farmers in the area, particularly women and youth. The
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has paid visits to my farm with a view to a
possible partnership.
I’ve also received the support of Syngenta, Monsanto and Profert and for me that hasn’t
gone unnoticed.
Ralph Swart
Richard Hobson
Lungelwa Kama