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March 2016
ON FARM LEVEL
Management practices
It is not only the planter that brings success, but the complete
system that provides advantages. This year with the drought, the
system makes it possible with follow-up rains to produce an above
average crop.
Weed control
According to Masango weed control is one of the most important
aspects of his farming business. He makes sure that the herbicide
is applied according to the recommendations of the representatives
of the herbicide companies. In order to ensure that the herbicides
and pesticides are effective only clean water is used. The sprayer
used is also calibrated and equipped with the type of nozzles that
will enhance the effectiveness of the herbicides and pesticides.
Workers
The workers on this farm are expected to take responsibility for
the work they do. Their opinion is asked and their knowledge
used in this farming business. Masango makes sure that his son
also loves farming. He makes time to do some farm work with his
son. On Saturdays him and his son will do some in-season farm
work. ‘I enjoy the time with my son,’ Masango said.
Recordkeeping
No work is finished until the paperwork is done. Masango also
spends time to do planning and recordkeeping. He ensures that
his Afgri account is up to date, correct and he will not pay the
account if the mistakes are not corrected. The financial recordkeep-
ing is done by an accounting firm so that the necessary financial
statements can be compiled. He also keeps the crop records up to
date and the cost and yields per land are recorded to evaluate his
progress. This information is available and is used to plan ahead and
to determine the breakeven prices for the different crops.
Tractors and implements
Masango owns his own tractors and implements. His equipment is
functional and is kept in good working condition. The planters are
equipped with technology that ensures that the seeds are planted
accurately. The sprayer is also functional and is big enough to do
all the work timeously.
Masango’s office travels with him. With an electricity convertor
installed in his bakkie, Masango can use a computer and printer
while he is in the land with the workers. This way he can do his of-
fice work while he is seeing to it that his workers are busy doing
their work. Masango also applies the skills he learned in the min-
ing industry and in the transport business on his farm. He believes
that workers will treat you the way you treat them.
With farmers like Masango the future of the agricultural sector is
in good hands and the country can rest assured that food security
will not be at risk. He is currently in the process of buying his own
farm and plans to expand his business.
For more information contact Solomon Masango at 082 321 2828
or Pietman Botha at 082 759 2991.
6: This new era commercial farmer cultivates soybeans and maize in rotation. Here is his 2015/2016 soybean fields.
6
SOLOMON MASANGO