2021

A word from … Jannie de Villiers November 2021 I retired as CEO of Grain SA at the end of August this year. This is a farewell message to all Grain SA members and participants in the Grain SA farmer development programme. At the end of my career, I can only salute you and

Top-dressing fertiliser: timing is key November 2021 PIETMAN BOTHA,  INDEPENDENT AGRI- CULTURAL CONSULTANT   The year is speeding to an end and producers must make sure that everything is done to maximise their crop yield. It is important to manage the crop according to the first production plan – especially the fertilisation and chemical programmes.

Follow these steps when appointing a new employee November 2021 MARIUS GREYLING,  INDEPENDENT AGRICULTURAL  MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT   It is necessary to follow the correct procedures when appointing new employees. The procedure is regulated by the labour laws of South Africa. Should you not follow the correct procedure it could become costly for your business. When

Meet Grain SA’s new CEO November 2021 Dr Pieter Taljaard (43) took over the reigns from Jannie de Villiers, former CEO, on 1 September. As a part-time producer, he not only has a passion for agriculture, but also understands its joys, obstacles and challenges. With a PHD in agricultural economics from the University of the

Input availability and prices October 2021 IKAGENG MALULEKE,  AGRICULTURAL  ECONOMIST AT GRAIN SA   South Africa (SA) relies on imports to meet the local input needs, which places the local agricultural industry at risk regarding availability and prices from the source countries. SA’s input industries have always managed to avoid critical input shortages failing which

Good record-keeping is essential October 2021 RICHARD MCPHERSON,  AGRIBUSINESS AND PROJECT  MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT   The basis for starting and developing any successful business, including farming, is a well organised set of records and accounts. Relying on memory alone can lead to misleading assumptions in future planning. Most farmers remember the good years and not the

Inoculation can enhance groundnut production October 2021 PIETMAN BOTHA,  INDEPENDENT AGRI- CULTURAL CONSULTANT   Groundnuts is a high value crop where the yield and quality of the yield must be protected at all costs. It is also a crop that can produce its own nitrogen if the seed is inoculated with the correct inoculant. Weed