Hannes Lombard, manager at the North-West University (NWU) farm in Mahikeng, says that the persistent heavy rains since November last year have posed major challenges for farmers, and in particular crop farmers.

He says some farmers in parts of the Free State, Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng have suffered major wheat crop losses.

“Because of the wet conditions, farmers could not get into the fields to harvest,” explains Hannes.

“The combines used for cutting, threshing, and separating the wheat kernels from the chaff are exceptionally large and heavy machines. Too much rain makes it difficult or almost impossible for the heavy machines to move around in the muddy fields. 

“Wheat must be harvested at just the right stage of maturity for best quality. Delayed harvesting may cause the wheat kernels to sprout on the plant, making it worthless as a grain crop.”

Hannes says the planting of maize, beans and sunflower has also been delayed. “Some farmers’ crops have been completely dismantled, and it is now too late to plant again. 

“The crisis is that these farmers have invested a lot of money in their crops, and with these crops losses, there are no return on investment.”

With no income this season, farmers will experience cash flow problems and may struggle to obtain financing for the next planting season.

He says the heavy rains also affected cattle farmers.

“Heavy rainfall increases the risk for disease outbreaks such as Rift Valley Fever, which is transmitted by the increased mosquito populations after heavy rains. Cattle farmers must make sure that they vaccinate their animals against these diseases.”