As I sit here and write this message, we are planting the new crop – what a blessing! We have received good rains, and the new season holds so much promise.
We can all look back on 2024 and remember a year of absolute contrasts. From some regions we hear of bumper crops, but for the most, South Africa was affected by the El Niño phenomenon, with very poor to no harvests collected on many farms in the summer crop regions. Those who
attended our Congress in March will remember my closing remark, ‘We will plant again!’ And here we are.
At Grain SA we welcomed Dr Tobias Doyer to the team and he has taken up his responsibilities with vigour and a new level of excellence. I am really excited for the future of Grain SA. Our country has had a new dawn, with the government of national unity (GNU) that holds much promise of better things to come. Together with that, we have had the appointment of a new Minister of Agriculture
who seems to be making every effort to serve his constituency, us the producers.
I am truly hopeful and energised for the new season in every respect.
As we go into the Christmas season when the business of planting makes way for some family time and relaxation, let us just be still for a moment and remember where we get our strength and inspiration from.
My wish for every producer and his or her family and workforce is one of peace and goodwill. I pray that as we remember the birth of Christ, we remember and experience anew the new beginning that He brought to the world. Just like we have a new beginning in this season.
From me and my family, to all the Grain SA staff and members: Blessings for Christmas and may 2025 bring you a new year that will be memorable for much better reasons than the memories we will hold of 2024.
