There are few relationships as important to a farmer as the one between him or her and their farmworkers. While we often laud farmers for their contribution to food security and the economy, we should not forget the importance of farmworkers in this regard. No farm would be profitable without the input of committed farmworkers. This is something farmers are well aware of, and this is why most farmers offer their workers on-farm housing. This scenario is beneficial for farmers and their workers, as on-farm housing limits commute time, which saves farmworkers money and time and means that farmers always have ready hands on farm.
Farmworkers’ presence on the farm is critical for a seamless operation, particularly during crucial periods, such as planting and harvesting.
On-farm housing allows the business to maximise productivity, and can help farmers retain good and reliable workers by providing workers and their families with stable and secure living conditions.
Furthermore, well-rested and comfortable workers are generally more efficient and productive, and on-farm housing can contribute to better worker well-being, which in turn can lead to improved job performance. Providing farmworkers with appropriate housing is an ethical and socially responsible practice. It reflects a commitment to the welfare of workers and contributes to a more equitable society.
Lastly, by providing housing, farmers help to enhance the sense of community among farmworkers and foster positive relationships between themselves and their employees. It can also contribute to the overall welfare of rural communities.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING ON-FARM HOUSING
Building on-farm housing for your workers is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and consideration.
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Denne historien er fra 29 September 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Syngenta Seedcare celebrates a decade of innovation
Syngenta's ambition is to enable their customers' investments to grow in healthy soil from treated seeds to young plants through innovation and collaboration, writes Magda du Toit.
Agri workers shine at Western Cape awards
Lindie-Alet van Staden, a garden and olive orchard manager at L’Ormarins Wine Estate in Franschhoek, was crowned as the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker of 2024 at a gala event recently held near Paarl.
Small and large farmers recognised at grain awards
The annual Grain SA/Syngenta awards ceremony bears testimony to the quality of farmers in the grain industry.
Growing partnerships: Fedgroup's flexible and innovative approach
Janine Ryan spoke to Warren Winchester, general manager of impact investing at Fedgroup, about why the company became involved in agriculture, and what it offers farmers and their immediate communities.
Why fish farms fail, and how to avoid becoming a statistic
The popularity of launching fish farms is not matched by their success. Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, explores the factors that cause most of these businesses to go under.
Where history and modernity meet in a luxurious setting
Brian Berkman kept his eyes peeled for ghosts in the oldest continuously run hotel in South Africa, but all he found was a fabulous two-night stay.
THE HITCHING POST
I'm a stylish elderly lady with a radiant glow and a good sense of humour that keeps me young at heart.
Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!
Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop damage.
Does high-density grazing mimic grazing patterns of game?
In their paper on high-density grazing in Southern Africa, professors Angelinus Franke and Elmarie Kotzé from the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State say high-density grazing systems may not accurately reflect natural ecosystems. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Global grain outlook: 2024/25 marketing season
In its latest summer crops report, the Crop Estimates Committee says South African farmers intend to plant 4,47 million hectares of summer grains and oilseeds in the 2024/25 season, up 1% from the previous season. As South Africa exports maize and soya bean, Annelie Coleman reports on the latest trends in the international grain and oilseed markets, amid fluctuations in weather conditions and ongoing armed conflicts.
