2021

A WORD FROM … Jerry Mthombothi May 2021 Some farmers, both commercial and smallholder producers, are crossing their fingers and expect to get high yields at the end of this planting season. Due to high rainfall and floods that damaged arable land, some are doubting that they will be able to harvest good-quality crops and

Preparation is key to happy harvesting May 2021 Jenny Mathews, Pula Imvula contributor. Send an email to jennymathews@grainsa.co.za   Farmers want to harvest and sell every kernel they produce. Proper maintenance and adjustments during harvest time are critical in achieving this. Preventative maintenance is an ongoing and regular care plan which is executed by farm

Firebreaks are essential for safety May 2021 Pietman Botha, Pula Imvula contributor. Send an email to pietmanbotha@gmail.com   According to the Fire act, every landowner on whose land a veld fire can start and spread to adjacent land, has the responsibility to have a firebreak on his side of the boundary fence. The act clearly

Grain SA developing farmers meet online May 2021 Ikageng Maluleke, Agricultural Economist, Grain SA. Send an email to ikageng@grainsa.co.za   Due to the Covid-19 regulations and an increasing number of Covid-19 cases in January, no physical meetings could be hosted for Grain SA’s developing farmers. Therefore online meetings were held on 12 February for all

A proper budget can enhance farm management May 2021 Marius Greyling, Pula Imvula contributor. Send an email to mariusg@mcgacc.co.za   The events of the last years – the drought, pandemic, veld fires, recent flooding, poor support from the government, localised outbreaks of pests and diseases, and the current constrained economic environment of our country –

Secrets to achieve good broiler production May 2021 Richard McPherson, Pula Imvula contributor. Send an email to richard@agrimetrix.co.za   Part 2 The key points to keep in mind with broiler production will be common to both small and large producers. It is, however, important to revisit the basics – like management, housing and infrastructure –

How the maize market functions May 2021 Ikageng Maluleke, Agricultural Economist, Grain SA. Send an email to ikageng@grainsa.co.za   Part 3 This article is the third of a four-part series that attempts to explore the fundamental factors that have an impact on the maize market. It will focus on spot price determination and the role

A programme that is changing lives May 2021 Telling our own story first-hand One of the drivers of Grain SA’s Farmer Development Programme is our close interaction with farmers. We believe in getting out there, getting out of our cars and getting our eyes and feet on the ground, where our farmers are working. During