Training

Study groups

• The development coordinators make every effort to involve the extension officers of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in the study group meetings.

• Some of the topics that are discussed are:
  Soil acidity; food security; weed control; soil and climate; soil conservation and soil moisture conservation; calibration of sprayers; plant nutrient requirements; pest control; and several more

Demonstration trials

Trials are a wonderful way of showing farmers the right thing to do. The development co-ordinators in the various regions make contact with the input supply companies and involve them in the trials. Every effort is made to plant and manage the trials in a way that is both progressive and technologically advanced, while at the same time within the reach of the developing farmers.

Farmer's days and partnerships with other role-players

It is crucial that the farmers should be exposed to a local network of support that will be available to them in the longer term. During farmer's days, all role-players and stakeholders in the industry are invited to participate - to give lectures on their areas of expertise and become acquainted with the farmers.

Developing Grain Farmer of the Year Competition

Several categories exist in which developing farmers can participate. These are:

• Subsistence category - Farmers producing maize on less than ten hectares
• Smallholder category - Farmers producing on more than ten hectares, but less than 100 hectares
• Potential Commercial category - Farmers who have access to more than 100ha of arable land who have not yet reached the 250ton mark
• New Era Commercial category - Farmers producing 250 tons or more

Support to advanced and black commercial farmers

Farmers develop at different rates and those who are making good progress need to be serviced on a one-on-one basis on their own farms. We assist them with the development of a tailor made business plan for their farm, as well as detailed support throughout the season.

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Training Courses

Training courses are arranged through the study groups managed by the development programme. The details of the coordinators for each region are available here

To date, the following training courses have been developed:

• Basic Maize Production
• Introduction courses to Maize Production; Sunflower Production; Sorghum Production; Soybean Production; Wheat Production; and Barley Production
• Advanced courses in Maize and Sunflower Production and Marketing
• Introduction to Irrigation of Maize
• Introduction to the Irrigation of Wheat
• Workshop Skills Development Course: Workshop Tools
• Technical Competence Course: Calibration of Planters and Sprayers
• Basic Engine Repair
• Maintenance: Tractors and Farm Implements
• Maintenance on High Application Tractors
• On-farm Maintenance and Support: Tractors and Implements
• Maintenance Course on High Application Tractors
• Mechanisation Management
• Resource Assessment and Farm Planning
• Farm Management for Profits
• Business Ethics and Farm Management
• Contractors Course
• Tractor Drivers Course
• Setting of Implement

 For more information, contact Willie Kotzé at willie@grainsa.co.za