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Maart 2016
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SOLOMON MASANGO:
A man with a vision
S
olomon Masango is farming in the Carolina district. He is
a conservation tillage farmer and produces maize and soy-
beans in a rotation system. Livestock also forms an impor-
tant part of his farming operation.
He is a gentleman who is motivated to achieve success. The setting
of goals helps Masango to stay focused and his vision for the future
also helps him and his family to focus on achieving success. This
driving force to succeed, his love for farming and his determination
to be the boss were the main reasons why he ended up in the farm-
ing business.
Masango leases the land and veld that he is currently using. Afgri
provides the credit for the business, but also helps with technical
advice and mentoring. Mr Nick Basson is currently his mentor and
he helps Masango with the basics of this farming enterprise. Learn-
ing is also important to Masango and he utilises every learning op-
portunity. He learns a lot from his mentor and the representatives of
the input suppliers.
Production potential
Soil and climate are the starting point of crop production. Basson
helped Masango to determine the production potential of every
land. With this knowledge, soil samples were taken, analysed and
interpreted to form the basis of the fertiliser application.
The soil pH, phosphate and potassium levels were not within
optimal production norms. These were corrected according to the
requirements of each land‘s production potential and the fertiliser
application is done according to these.
Soil scientists also ensured that there was no compaction in the
soils that could prevent root penetration. Masango plans to imple-
ment a precision farming system later. Masango understands that
the income per hectare must be more than the expenses to make a
profit. Timing is also crucial. The right action must be taken correctly
and on time to be able to produce a good crop.
‘Climate is a given, but as a farmer you have to be able to “read”
the year and adapt accordingly. Timing is very important and all
actions must be done timeously weather permitting,’ Masango said.
Planning
Planning helps him to be on time with all aspects of farming. Be-
fore the season Masango and Basson discuss and plan the coming
season. They decide what, where and how to plant the crops.
Although a crop rotation system is applied, the profitability of the
system must make financial sense. It is important to make sure
that all the inputs are available on farm so that it can be applied on
time. The credit Afgri provides makes this possible.
A direct planting system forms the basis of Masango’s grain pro-
duction. The no-till planter he uses is capable to plant accurately
and to place the seed at the right depth.
ON FARM LEVEL
New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year
Management practices
– Grain SA/ABSA/John Deere Financial New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year
PIETMAN BOTHA,
SA Graan/Grain
contributor
1: Solomon Masango received the 2015 award for Grain SA/ABSA/
John Deere Financial New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year.
1