Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Hats off to SA’s farmers
I could focus on the ongoing devastation we are seeing due to the negative impact of drought and other climatic conditions, or perhaps the uncertainty created by the recent adoption in Parliament of the report that recommends that Section 25 of the Constitution be changed to allow for expropriation without compensation. Other topics that I could have focused on include water-use issues, the collapse of extension services, the US-China trade war debacle, and the price of milk. These are just a few of the issues that have affected the mood of role players in the agriculture sector this year and have impacted the sector’s outlook for the future. However, I would rather focus on what the sector has given me.
The tenacity of the farmers and people I deal with during the course of my work never ceases to amaze me. I have witnessed sheer gumption and go-getter attitudes, as well as innovation and the stubbornness necessary to achieve success in this industry despite numerous obstacles.
While I’m not a farmer, the lessons I learn from those working on the ground every day are invaluable in my quest to one day claim that title.
As a child, my idea of farming was of pastures dotted with animals alongside crops that simply needed to be planted to flourish. The reality, however, is that this is a highly sophisticated sector that requires massive precision. The margins are scary, and there is no way to plan around the disruptions thrown at you by nature. The reality is that it can cost up to R200 000/ha to produce a crop such as potatoes, and if the market works against you, you might end up selling your crop below cost. A grain farmer can do everything correctly, can realise a record harvest, and yet can still make a loss because of things happening half a world away. It is a risky industry that demands a special type of person.
Thus, I take my hat off to all farmers. You are an inspiration. I look forward to sharing more of your stories.