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February 2025
| COMPILED BY LOUISE KUNZ, ASSISTANT EDITOR: PULA |  |
Keep your eyes on the crops
If favourable conditions are present, February is the time when the maize is growing. It is not the time to relax though, according to regional development managers in North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
‘This is the time to scout for pests and diseases,’ says Jerry Mthombothi from PGP’s Mbombela office. Du Toit van der Westhuizen from the Lichtenburg office agrees and adds that it is also important to see if there are any crop deficiencies. ‘Act as soon as possible.’
February is the time for weed control. In North West especially, it is important that post-emergence chemicals have been applied and that the fields have been cleaned. ‘And where topdressing is needed, make sure you apply the right amount,’ says Du Toit.
Plan ahead for success
In February you can prepare for the harvesting season and check the market availability of your crop, Jerry suggests. ‘There is always something to do on the farm, even if it is just getting your administration up to date or planning for the next season.’ Remember, failing to plan means planning to fail.
Feed the hungry
Timon Filter, trainer and mentor from Piet Retief, is known for his missionary heart. He urges farmers to remember that their hard work should not just be about farming, but about supporting others who are less fortunate.
He encourages farmers in his study groups to help eradicate hunger in their communities and to make it the study group’s goal to ensure that there is not one hungry person in the community while they are farmers planting maize. He also reminds farmers that worrying does not help the farming operation. ‘Keep your faith and trust God.’
Publication: February 2025
Section: Pula/Imvula
