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The importance of continued learning, innovation, and investing to thrive in the agriculture industry were emphasised to enterprising black farmers at the Farmers’ Day workshop held on Tuesday, 9 April, in the Barolong Hall in Thaba Nchu. Attendees ranged from livestock to vegetable farmers, young and old; including men and women from various areas in the Free State.
This is a partnership initiative undertaken by the African Farming brand, through its print, online, and television platforms. Other partners include: AFGRI, Ford, Elanco, Standard Bank, John Deere, Molatek and the Red Meat Institute for Transformation and Enterprise Development (RMITED).
BloemExpress is the print media partner of the Farmers’ Day initiative, aimed at educationally empowering farmers to help them unlock their full potential in making their ventures commercially viable and sustainable.
A team of presenters shared information covering fundamental aspects, ranging from strategies to help farmers navigate volatile climate conditions and environmental management, to ways to improve efficiency and profits with minimal resources available.
Experts in animal health, veterinarian Dr Faffa Malan and Willem Kleyn, strongly encouraged adherence vaccination, biosecurity measures, animal health, and husbandry to curb diseases such as the recent outbreak of tickborne and water disease. Kleyn, of Elanco, strongly emphasised that adherence was part of investing in a farm as a business.
Moji Kodisang, who has been trading since 2016 with mixed farming of crop, livestock, and fodder production, said that farmers’ workshops have been beneficial.
“Once is not sufficient; at least three times a year to ensure progression in skill capacity, knowledge, and strengthening business. I have been experiencing progress by participating in the workshops, sharing information with stakeholders from the private-public sector. The reason I believe three workshops per year will have a greater impact, is because this will help in tackling farming challenges, capital investment, and climate change, strengthening the trade,” said Kodisang.
Amos Njoro, managing director of Ya Rona Temo Farming, a commercial mixed operation of livestock and grain, has encouraged farmers to invest in the future generation to sustain a legacy, motivating and empowering young ones.
“We try to invest in younger ones for longevity, teaching the basics, and continue engaging them. Having a succession plan is extremely important. It is important to research about any product, before venturing into farming. Even when purchasing machinery, to ensure a return on investments,” said Njoro.
Encouraging young farmers to consider agriculture and explore farming is informed by the fact that the Free State remains the food basket of South Africa, producing sunflower (56%), maize (42%), groundnuts (45%), dry beans (26%), wheat (16%), sorghum (20%), and soya (42%). According to Statistics South Africa, the Free State accounts for the second greatest share of beef production in the country (19%), behind Mpumalanga (21%).
