CEO, Grain SA
GRAIN SA’S ANNUAL CONGRESS IS AN IMPORTANT DATE ON THE GRAIN INDUSTRY CALENDAR THAT EVERYONE LOOKS FORWARD TO. IT’S NICE TO EXCHANGE THOUGHTS, RUN INTO OLD FRIENDS, AND EXPERIENCE THE COMMUNITY OF THE GRAIN VALUE CHAIN. CONGRESS CREATES A SENSE OF CAMARADERIE, SOLIDARITY AND CONNECTEDNESS AMONG OUR GRAIN PRODUCERS, WHO HAVE TO RELY ON THEMSELVES DAILY TO MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS ON THEIR FARMS.
That’s the fun part and a privilege. For us, however, the most important thing is to provide strategic direction and to identify the obstacles to profitability and sustainability that we need to focus our collective attention and energy on. Grain SA not only strives to find solutions during times of crisis but works consistently to develop market and business opportunities for the grain industry. South Africa is experiencing a growth and jobs crisis. Without growth, we will struggle to balance our national finances, and poverty and hunger will destroy our social order.
Congress’s theme – ‘A producer’s journey from survival to prosperity’ – was appropriate considering the difficult production year of 2024. It supports the principle that those who endure difficult times and focus on survival by adapting to changing circumstances position themselves to experience prosperity again. In addition to this, Todd Heap from Bayer emphasised that agriculturists must embrace innovation, advanced genetics, and biotechnology to ensure sustainable production.
Important aspects such as long-term planning, investments in technology,
diversification, and knowledge of economic cycles and cost structures were examined during the panel discussion. Paul Temple advised grain producers to carefully monitor production costs: ‘Farm with your calculator.’ Producers must apply the same precision to understand and manage costs that financial institutions require to assess creditworthiness and investments.
The establishment of Grain SA in 1999 laid a solid foundation for the South African grain industry and each Congress contributes as a building block in the organisation’s progress. The success of the recent Congress is not only the fruit of a year’s work, but of years of collaboration and ongoing dedication from every member and participant. Congress provides a valuable opportunity to inform members with transparency about activities and how their membership fees are used. This enables members to make well-informed decisions for the future. Grain SA’s skilled personnel serve as the cement that successfully joins these building blocks together annually through the effective implementation of the mandates assigned to them, and we appreciate their dedication.
We were heartened by the fact that the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, took the time to address Congress despite the date coinciding with the budget speech in Parliament. The minister’s open-door policy and awareness of the grain producer’s challenges have created confidence among Congress members that efforts will be made to advance their interests within the government of national unity.
Our hearts go out to the grain producers who have experienced the devastating effect of the recent floods in the North West and Limpopo provinces and for which a state of emergency has been declared. It was also with sadness that we learned of the passing of one of our members, Louis Scheepers, after he was shocked by a circuit breaker due to these wet conditions.
On behalf of our members and the Grain SA personnel, I would like to express our thanks and appreciation to Derek Mathews who has completed his term as chairperson of Grain SA. His dedication and continued contribution have had a significant impact on the organisation and his fellow producers. His leadership not only promoted the industry but also strengthened cohesion and cooperation among producers and role players in the value chain. We appreciate his dedication and the passion with which he fulfilled his role.
I would also like to congratulate Richard Krige on his election as new chairperson of Grain SA. With his knowledge and experience of the grain industry and our organisation, we look forward to working together under his leadership to advance our members’ interests in the industry.
The journey from survival to prosperity is not just an individual effort, but a collective one – driven by shared goals and mutual respect. Under the guidance of our new leadership and with the continued commitment of our members, I am confident that the road ahead holds exciting opportunities for innovation, growth, and lasting success.
