CEO, Grain SA
IT’S ONCE AGAIN THAT EXCITING TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY GATHERS IN THE SOUTH OF THE COUNTRY FOR NAMPO CAPE. THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S SHOW, ‘SMART TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFICIENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT’, EMPHASISES THE NECESSITY TO DO MORE WITH LESS – ESPECIALLY AT A TIME WHEN NATURAL RESOURCES ARE UNDER PRESSURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION MUST BE PLANNED AND MANAGED SMARTLY TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY.
Technology is not a luxury, but an indispensable tool that supports grain producers to achieve optimal yields from each harvest within the limits of their production conditions. Although the brand name NAMPO is a legacy from the erstwhile maize organisation and is associated with grain production nowadays, this respected brand also serves the broader agricultural community – a responsibility that Grain SA takes seriously. NAMPO Cape embodies this as a platform where diverse industries, from grain, livestock and viticulture to technology and vegetable cultivation, come together under one umbrella to build networks and find solutions to current and future agricultural challenges. We are looking forward to spending time together at Bredasdorp Park among the beautiful green wheat and yellow canola fields once again.
Waterstained maize kernels
The 2024/2025 marketing year was characterised by climate conditions that led to a noticeable increase in water-stained maize kernels. However, this is the second consecutive year in which producers can benefit from the new regulations stipulating that water-stained maize kernels do not affect the quality or colour of the final product. Consequently, water-stained maize kernels without structural defects may not be graded as defective.
This regulatory adjustment is more than just a technical victory – it is real progress in promoting profitable grain production and food safety. This was made possible thanks to the dedicated and long-standing action of the Grain SA team, the support of SAGRA (South African Grain Farmers Association) and the scientific research of the Southern African Grain Laboratory (SAGL).
Biosecurity and technology
The cases of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa are unfortunately putting a damper on agricultural sentiment countrywide. Millions of rands of damage were caused with major disruption in the meat supply chain through the closure of markets, consumer price increases and an export ban. This emphasises the necessity of strict biosecurity measures. A reactive response after a crisis is too late and has a lasting impact on food security and the prosperity of rural communities.
Technology does not only play a crucial role in the successful application of biosecurity in livestock farming, but also in grain production where pathogens and weed seeds can be spread by equipment or seed. By purposefully applying technology such as access control, GPS tracking, digital disease reporting, and farm monitoring, producers can reduce risk, protect their environment, and promote sustainability.
Internationally and with our own government, there is a sharp focus on dangerous agricultural chemicals, and this issue will continue to require a lot of attention. The tragic death of children in Soweto due to terbufos- and aldicarb-contaminated spaza shop food highlights the need for strict safety measures. As a result, new regulations have been introduced for better traceability, repackaging, and handling of pesticides.
Grain SA considers the responsible use of chemicals – with a balance between environmental health, human safety, and sustainable food production – to be a priority. We have therefore started a project to support producers to comply with regulations in a cost-effective way. By law, those who work with toxins must complete an accredited course and register as a pest control officer (PCO) or otherwise operate under the supervision of a registered PCO. Grain SA, in collaboration with Potatoes SA, therefore launched a SETA-accredited online course in August exclusively for paid-up members of Grain SA to register as a PCO.
Winter cereal production season
On a positive note, it is encouraging that the winter grain production season for 2025 looks promising, especially in the traditional winter rainfall regions such as the Western Cape and parts of the Northern Cape. The Western Cape, where 512 000 ha of wheat and 164 900 ha of canola were planted this year, can largely attest to favourable rain and good soil moisture conditions. The Free State, Northern Cape and Limpopo, where a combined 115 000 ha of wheat were planted this year, also benefited from good soil moisture after the summer rainfall. The price prospect for input costs is also becoming more favourable as prices of commodities such as fertiliser and crop spray remedies start to decline after sharp increases, which will improve profitability.
We believe that hope will not disappoint us and that producers in the winter grain areas will experience a successful production year. This spirit of optimism is backed by the unwavering dedication and perseverance of our grain producers. Let us continue to support each other, share knowledge, and together create new possibilities for the next harvest and the one after that. See you at NAMPO Cape!
