In order to inspire passion in others, you must first be passionate yourself. People will rather listen to the advice and follow in the footsteps of someone who is enthusiastic than someone who is just going through the motions. Mirriam Swaedi (48), the passionate chairperson of the Zaaiplaas study group, is inspiring developing farmers to follow correct agricultural practices to contribute to food security in South Africa.
Not just a business, but also a calling
When asked how long she has been farmer, Mirriam answers: ‘I actually became a farmer when I was a child because my parents were farmers and ignited the passion for farming within me.’
Although she does not own a farm yet, Mirriam dreams of owning her own piece of land one day. ‘I love being a farmer. Farming is not just a business for me. It is my calling.’ Currently she cultivates 6 ha on communal land in the Zaaiplaas Village in Sehlakoane near Stoffberg in Mpumalanga. Here she plants maize and dry beans.
Her path crossed with that of Jerry Mthombothi, regional development manager at the Mbombela office, in 2013 when she joined Grain SA. Jerry became her mentor who guided her to become a better farmer by applying better agricultural practices. ‘Grain SA has helped me a lot. I have learned a great deal about farming and my harvest is much higher than before,’ she says.
She realised very early in the process that better agricultural practices meant a higher yield and was astonished at the difference healthy soil made. ‘I never knew about taking soil samples so that I could repair my soil and get it ready for planting. Now that I know how to prepare my soil, the yield has improved,’ she shares. Last season she achieved 6 t/ha and hopes to realise an even higher yield this season. ‘I realize my land was not 100% clean last season. To achieve an even better yield, a clean field and healthy soil are important,’ she says.
According to Jerry, Mirriam is an energetic, hands-on farmer who is a workaholic. ‘She leads by example and will usually be the first one to perform any task. She is a good listener who is always ready to learn. She follows advice and is keen to apply correct production practices,’ he says about his mentee.
He believes that the following practices have contributed to her success:
- Ripping the field before planting.
- Doing soil corrections by applying lime.
- Cultivating maize and dry bean varieties that are suitable to her area.
- Planting in the planting window.
- Using correct plant populations.
- Spraying both pre- and post-emergence herbicides, insecticides and fungicides – especially on the dry beans.
- Applying the advised amount of fertiliser.
- Following all the production practices as she has been advised.
Mirriam has one goal: to become a successful commercial grain producer in South Africa. She trusts that finances and climate challenges will not be insurmountable stumbling blocks on the road to reaching her dream.
Passion ignites motivation
Sunday Adelaja, a Ukrainian pastor, believes that your calling is whatever motivates you more than money. Mirriam is so passionate about farming that she is making sure others realise the importance of correct agricultural practices so that they can have higher yields and improve their living conditions. She also realises that developing rural farmers is crucial to ensuring food security in the country.
This study group leader loves guiding hopeful emerging farmers and giving them advice on improving their cultivation methods. She is always willing to share her knowledge with other farmers, whether it is at a study group meeting or in the village.
She is the lady who set the ball rolling for Limpopo becoming part of the Grain SA Farmer Development Programme. Limpopo now has eleven study groups consisting of 427 farmers farming on 750 ha arable land – who are learning more about best agricultural practices for maize production. She is still helping farmers in Limpopo who want to join Grain SA.
Jerry says Mirriam also went the extra mile by allowing Grain SA to use her arable land to plant a trial plot in conjunction with Bayer representatives. ‘She is managing it on our behalf and the trial plot is looking good. It is clean of weeds and the plants are not showing any signs of hunger.’
Mirriam is living proof that success does not come easy. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, sacrifice and passion for what you are doing.
