Top tips FOR FARMERS

January 2025

COMPILED BY LOUISE KUNZ, ASSISTANT EDITOR: PULA

Farm management forms an integral part of a successful farming operation. January is a good time to plan for the upcoming production year. Farmers should then make decisions such as what to plant and what to buy for the new season. Here is advice from team members of the Farmer Development Programme.

Marketing options need attention
‘Unless pressured by creditors, consider very carefully fixing your maize price with a contract – unless you are sure it is an exceptional deal, which it usually is not,’ is the advice of Graeme Engelbrecht, regional development manager in KwaZulu-Natal. He shares this rule of thumb for contract price setting:

• 30% prior/at planting.
• 30% at mid-season (February/March).
• 40% at harvest.

Besides getting a contract or price setting, Graeme suggests that farmers begin with their marketing options at the planning stage before planting. ‘Make sure you clearly understand who is responsible for which costs when selling – this includes storage, handling, in-out cost, transport to/from the silo and even the costs allocated to grading and moisture loss.’

Don’t forget about your crops
Jacques Roux, regional development manager in the Free State, reminds farmers to apply topdressing in January. Topdressing is a way to ensure that the fertiliser the farmer applies is used optimally towards the benefit of the maize plant and ultimately the yield. 

January is also the ideal time to spray your crops. Pesticides and fungicides are hazardous chemicals, so the application method is a critical factor in chemical control. Chemicals must be applied at the right place and the right time – and in the right way.

Some more good advice
Timon Filter, a trainer and mentor from Piet Retief, shares some good general advice with farmers. ‘Continue to work hard but remember to trust God. You can do everything according to plan, but when it is hot and dry in January, it is important to remember that the Maker of heaven and earth will send the rain.’

He also reminds the small-scale farmers not to despise small beginnings. ‘Rather do everything well on 1 ha and achieve 8 tons on your single hectare, than plant 3 ha and get only a total of 8 tons on it.’ 

Publication: January 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula