FB: What challenges did producers encounter over the past year?
Jaco: The expectation in certain areas was higher than reality, especially further east. To the west, it was precisely the opposite because producers fared better than expected. In some regions, such as the western Free State, the fields were very wet in April and crops suffered waterlogging damage due to too much rain. The damp soil also complicated the harvesting process.
For the past eight years, producers have made significant adjustments to adapt to dry conditions, so the extremely wet conditions caught many off guard. It has also led to a trend of various grain quality problems, mainly in the western Free State. Due to the humid conditions, the white maize crop was approximately five weeks later than usual.
FB: Which issues, in your experience, need attention?
Jaco: Not much can be done about the wet fields, although it must be managed carefully. For example, earlier plantings on the waterlogged fields should be considered if the climate allows it. Another aspect that must be considered is the type of fertiliser used and the timing of its application, as it can lead to significant yield variations.
Quality problems are a growing concern that is not necessarily linked only to crop rotation or resting fields, but also to cultivar selection, as was noted over the past few years. To better manage risks, producers must do their homework in order to plant the right cultivars in the right environments. Here, experts in the fertiliser and seed industry can play a significant role.
FB: Do you anticipate problems in respect of ending stocks?
This story is from the September 2020 edition of FarmBiz.
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This story is from the September 2020 edition of FarmBiz.
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