Helping farmers reach their full potential

September 2026

The PGP Farmer Development Programme (FDP) team believes that farmer development is about more than just training and learning new skills. It is also about supporting and developing the individual farmer through study group meetings and farm visits.

When developing farmers progress beyond the study groups and are close to farming independently, the PGP team helps them take the final step. During farm visits regional development managers and mentors spend time with the farmers, get to know them on a personal level, and provide guidance and advice throughout the farming season. During the June/July period, a total of 191 farm visits were conducted, during which farmers were assisted with harvesting, given tips on storing the produce and advised on marketing.

Study group meetings give farmers access to helpful information and expert advice. These meetings help the team to get to know the farmers better, while farmers develop trust and confidence in the team. It is a time when farmers can meet to share and learn from each other. During June and July 189 study group meetings took place.

Here is one of the proud farmers from the Newcastle SG. This group was hard at work threshing and storing their harvested crop.

The farmers of Donkerhoek SG were busy harvesting, shelling and bagging maize.

In the Eastern Cape, Siyabonga Nomlala was visited by Eric Wiggill, regional development manager. They had started harvesting 35 ha of yellow maize.

Discussions at the Dundee SG centred around the challenges the farmers experienced. Apart from late delivery of inputs, they were also burdened by bad weather conditions.

During mentor Johan Nel’s visit to the Ramafole SG harvesting, storage, costing and bookkeeping were discussed.

Farmer Jabu Matshinini was harvesting when regional development manager from the Free State, Jacques Roux, paid his farm a visit.

Mentor Paul Wiggill advised Sanele Mbhele on the dangers of mycotoxins and storage of sugar beans.

A film crew visited Vincent Ntuli’s farm in North West to shoot a video for the Farmer of the Year competition. Vincent is a finalist in the potential commercial farmer category.

Publication: September 2026

Section: Pula/Imvula