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5
July 2017
Hold on to the truths
t
he past week I became cognisant of the number of leaders
in agriculture and society who are currently experiencing a
challenging time in their lives. It was almost as if I was walk-
ing through a scrapyard of people. Our country’s leaders are
having a hard time.
The general situation in the country is leaving scars all over. Even
the gale force winds in the Western Cape and the fires in Knysna
are signs of devastation leaving scars. The array of videos of sheep
in Namaqualand and the Boesmanland running after bakkies in
the hope that there might be some fodder on them, definitely result
in emotions welling up.
Despite this, the grain carts in the north groan under the loads
of maize being harvested while the wheat, barley and canola
shoots are emerging in the Western Cape as signs of a new sea-
son. The orphan of the country’s economy, agriculture, is almost
the only sector that has reared its head and showed positive
growth. This was surely to be expected after last year’s debili-
tating drought.
Many times, all the political news items posted on lamp posts
make me think of the battles in the Bible where the enemy annihi-
lated themselves and had so many internal battles that eventually it
resulted in no battle at all, leaving only spoils.
What should one do when all these things happen? Hold on to the
truths that you believe in. We as agriculturists know that there has
always been an end to every drought or low in our history.
Therefore I also believe that there will come an end to this ‘drought’
period in South African history. When it will happen, we do not
know, but we can continue looking forward to the signs in nature
that indicate a new season.
A wise old man the other day commented on everything happen-
ing, saying that there is always a period of revelation that must
happen, with public airing of wrongs before the confession and
healing can occur. This is where we are now. It is not unusual at
all, at least things are brought into the open. It also does not neces-
sarily make it better, but at least it brings hope.
In the coming months grain producers’ eyes will be on the maize
export figures in the hope that somewhere in the future better
prices will ensue, but on the weather in the Western Cape as well.
The continuation of the land debate after the NAMPO Harvest Day,
together with the big meetings of the governing party (policy in
June and leadership in December), will have to be taken note of.
The reality of a new political dispensation after the 2019 election, is
becoming much more of a reality as the cans of worms are opened
and internal fighting increases.
Grain SA has already investigated various scenarios with the
hope of a better agriculture-friendly policy environment. Despite
this, producers must continue to sharpen their pencils and make
sure that all their decisions on the farm make economic sense.
Back to the scrapyard of people in our country: Look out for the
men and women in your vicinity and listen to them. Often listening
is better medicine than giving advice. Hold on to the truths we so
sincerely believe in. Pleasant farming!