In this episode of our Farmer Mentor podcast on Farmer’s Inside Track, Nolundi Msengana shares some of her trade secrets to running a commercial farm and how her diverse agricultural approach has saved her business a couple of times.
It is tough to be a farmer in South Africa, says Nolundi Msengana, fondly referred to as Mama Nolundi. In the heart of Sedibeng, Gauteng, on her 320-hectare maize and soya farm, she has become a beacon of resilience and strategic farming practices.
Msengana’s journey to prominence was not without its challenges. Yet, through diversification, strategic planning, and an unwavering spirit, she has not only weathered storms but thrived in the face of adversity.
Beyond maize and soya cultivation, she manages cattle, sheep, and goats. This diversified model, she shares, is not just a matter of preference but a strategic decision aimed at mitigating risks inherent in agriculture.
“Diversification gives me peace of mind during difficult times,” she says. “If one market fails, the success in another commodity helps offset losses.”
According to Msengana, this pragmatic approach proved invaluable when faced with setbacks like the theft of her livestock.
“In 2019, 109 sheep were stolen. In 2021 they came again and took 79 sheep. You don’t recover from a loss like this because you’re not going to get those sheep back. There’s nothing that you can do.”
A new approach to farming
Climate change poses yet another challenge for farmers like Msengana, however, she has implemented innovative strategies on her farm.
From no-till crop rotation to variable crop selection and precise field operation timing, she remains proactive in combating the effects of evolving climate conditions.
“My recommendation to fellow farmers is to invest in technologically advanced equipment to minimise downtime and navigate climate interruptions” she shares.
In this podcast, she shares some of her trade secrets and how she innovates and thrives in the ever-changing landscape of farming.
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