Top tips for farmers

October 2025

By October all harvesting should be completed and maize should be stored or sold. Planning for the new season should have started a few months before the onset of the planting season. Advanced planning is crucial to the success of a farming enterprise. October is the time for getting all the nitty-gritty sorted for the new production season. The Farmer Development team is always ready to assist you in maximising your potential.

Financial planning
Before planning for the upcoming season, ensure that your production loan from the previous year has been settled. If this is not possible due to drought or unforeseen circumstances, it is essential to make arrangements to pay back the carry-over debt. Once your finances have been taken care of you can focus on farming.

Order in time
Farmers are always advised to take soil samples after harvesting to check the soil nutrient levels as this will impact fertiliser orders. Jerry Mthombothi, regional development manager at PGP’s Mbombela office, reminds farmers that these orders should be placed a few months in advance in order to save on any possible price increases that may occur before the planting season starts. ‘Farmers who are part of the BA project can expect deliveries of their input supplies in October,’ says Jerry.

It is also important to decide in advance what maize cultivar you want to plant and what your seed requirements will be. A seed representative can guide you in making these decisions. Place your seed orders early to avoid any possible shortages of seed. 

Do’s and don’ts of storage

• To store fertiliser, keep it in its original packaging, in a cool, dry place – preferably off the ground. 
• Seeds should be stored in a pest-controlled area, separate from chemicals and somewhere where theft can be prevented. Do not store seeds near chemicals or in damp, hot areas as this can cause spoilage. Handle bags of seed carefully as rough handling can cause the seed to burst or be damaged. Internal damage is often only visible after the seed has germinated.
• Allow for air flow to prevent high temperatures, humidity and the growth of mould.
• Keep the area clean and pest-free: A clean, dust-free environment is crucial. Do regular inspection for pests such as rodents, insects and weevils, and take action when needed.

Sources:
https://www.grainsa.co.za/october-=-plan--prepare-for-next-season#:~:text=After%20harvesting%20it%20is%20good,more%20money%20and%20increased%20profits.
https://www.grainsa.co.za/store-seed-correctly-for-future-use

Publication: October 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula

Author: COMPILED BY LOUISE KUNZ, ASSISTANT EDITOR: PULA