Senwes Scenario April / May 2019 | Page 35

PRODUCER FOCUS There are about 600 Beefmaster Bonsmaras on the farm. "Farming in my blood, I just didn't have the chance before. So many people today are just looking for a chance to farm and learn farming practices." house is situated between Standerton and Volksrust, approximately 30km from Standerton and 55km from Volksrust. He said that in the beginning he used to do everything alone - ploughing, planting, servicing tractors, etcetera. He jokingly referred to his overdraft - “FNB took a chance on me.” He had nothing - no trac- tors, planters, no land and cattle. He had a farming background, however, as his father Johann farmed in Groblersdal with tobacco, seed maize and peas. He describes himself as follows: “Farming is in my blood - I just did not have the opportunity to farm earlier. So many peo- ple just need a chance to farm and to learn about farming.” This is why he helps his staff to develop. This farmer reached a point where he plants 1 300 hectares and plants yellow maize (50%) and soybeans and sugar beans (25% each). He also has merinos and a herd of 600 Beefmaster Bonsmaras, which means that, in order to Senwes Grainlink regional grain marketing consultant Neil Kemp and producer Edzard Biermann. expand, he will have to buy more land. his fields. His aim is to expand his herd to 1 000. His advice to farmers in the area is to bear in mind that for every 1 000 hect- ares of land, you have to plant 600 hect- ares and use 40% for grazing in order to establish successful mixed farming operations. The fields pay your premium. “People say land is cheap at present. But where is that cheap land? Please show me." Another option for him is to expand his farming operations towards Vrede, Memel and Ermelo. He bought his farm from another producer and was really nervous when he wrote the cheque for the farm. However, he is glad that he took the chance. “It was a huge gamble to start farming.” SUCCESS, COURAGE AND DETERMI- NATION His success can partially be ascribed to the fact that he applies he basic princi- ples of farming - it is the crux. He believes in lime and increased the pH-levels of his soil from 4.3 to 5.4. Different to other pro- ducers, he also applies lime to the land rented by him and he harvests up to 10 to 11 tons of maize per hectare on some of CHALLENGES He has 11 settlements on his farms, which would be a challenge for most producers. “I take ownership of my farm.” He admits that it can be problematic as far as veld fires, theft, etcetera are concerned, but he has day and night security plans in place. Theft rears its ugly head on a regular basis, but he tries to address the problem by means of electric fences, cameras and fire hydrants. He decided to move his business to Senwes during the season, to benefit from the transport differential - the bank balance and service will make the dif- ference. He acted on the words of Neil SENWES SCENARIO | AUTUMN 2019 34 33