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.

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 one of our regional coordinators below:

	Contact No:	E-mail:
Mthatha Office Development Coordinator
Sinelizwi Fakade	012 943 8278	sinelizwi@grainsa.co.za
Kokstad Office Development Coordinator
Luke Collier	012 943 8280	luke@grainsa.co.za
Mbombela Development Coordinator
Jerry Mthombothi	012 943 8289	jerry@grainsa.co.za
Louwsburg (KZN) Office Development Coordinator
Jurie Mentz	012 943 8218	jurie@grainsa.co.za
Paarl Office Development Coordinator
Liana Stroebel	012 943 8252	liana@grainsa.co.za
Lichtenburg Office Development Coordinator
Du Toit v/d Westhuizen	012 943 8290	dutoit@grainsa.co.za
Dundee Office Development Coordinator
Graeme Engelbrecht	012 943 8287	graeme@grainsa.co.za
Ladybrand Office Development Coordinator
Johan Kriel	012 943 8283	johank@grainsa.co.za