16 / 92
November 2015
14
GRAIN SA
Mr Lawrence Luthango (Mthatha) is the Grain SA regional manager
who oversees this winner’s farming operations. This young farmer
believes it is important to spread one’s risks; Nombewu therefore
also grows dry beans, potatoes and spinach for the local market to
boost his cash flow.
The 2015 Grain SA/ABSA/John Deere Financial New Era Commercial
Farmer of the Year is Mr Solomon Masango from Carolina in
Mpumalanga. As the new mentor to this humble farmer, Mr Jurie
Mentz took over the mentor reigns from the recently retired
Mr Naas Gouws. Masango practices no-till farming and plants
maize, soybeans and sugar beans. He emphasises the importance of
good relationships with other farmers and advisors who help him
with his planning and believes planning is an important contributor
to his success.
This worthy winner has seen amazing progress, with his yields
increasing from 3,5 t/ha to 6 t/ha – one of the attributing reasons
for him receiving the grand prize, a John Deere 5403 MFWD
48 kW tractor sponsored by John Deere Financial in partnership
with ABSA.
Ms Jane McPherson (programme manager: Grain SA Farmer
Development) handed over certificates of appreciation to the friends
of the programme – individuals who support the programme to
ensure its continued existence.
Special mention was made of Ms Jenny Mathews (producer from
Sannieshof and previous chairman of the board of the Grain Farmer
Development Association) who has been involved in this programme
for more than ten years.
“These farmers have opened my heart and made me realise that
I want to be part of making a difference in this country,” Mathews
said and urged Grain SA to continue with this life changing
programme.
3: For 2015, the finalists in the category: Grain SA/ABSA/John Deere Financial New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year, were Vuyani and Lungelwa
Kama (Lungelwa was not present), Maseli Letuka and Solomon Masango.
4: And the winner is…Solomon Masango! Solomon and his supportive wife, Christina, are now the excited owners of a brand new John Deere 5403
MFWD 48 kW tractor, sponsored by John Deere Financial. Jurie Mentz and Jane McPherson joined in their excitement.
5: The wonderful friendship that has formed between these four farmers and their mentor (right), Du Toit van der Westhuizen (Grain SA development
co-ordinator), is evident. The farmers are Diqunyane Kgale (Coligny), Organ Serema (Bethlehem Farm), Mothibedi Monkwe (Coligny) and Piet Khoza
(Hartbeesfontein).
6: Discussing the day’s events are Ramodisa Monaisa (Grain SA member of the Executive and master of ceremonies) and Jannie de Villiers
(CEO: Grain SA).
7: This function makes it possible for old friends to reconnect. Here, Israel Motlhabane (2012 Developing Grain Producer of the Year and Grain SA
member of the Executive) and Lawrence Luthango, who is the mentor of one of the winners, Daliwonga Nombewu, makes use of this opportunity to
strengthen old ties.
Successful farmers know all about
hard work
3
5
6
7
4
Day of Celebration