Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Cape, a remarkable agricultural revolution is unfolding. This is according to Henk de Beer, the former CEO of Sentraal-Suid Co-operative (SSK), who over decades witnessed first-hand how conservation agriculture was key to not only stabilising but revitalising the region’s agricultural sector.
It was in the year 1989 that De Beer, armed with his agricultural economics expertise, joined the SSK. At that time, the company was predominantly focused on Swellendam and the Helderberg. The regions faced a multitude of challenges, burdened by high debts resulting from low yields and soaring costs associated with grain farming.
Tough times
In an interview with Andrew Ardington, founder of the Regenerative Agricultural Association of Southern Africa, De Beer said he, initially, focused his energies on consolidating credit applications and securing financial support to keep struggling farmers on their beloved land.
Reflecting on those early days, De Beer recalled, “The farmers were drowning in debts due to grain production. With the region’s arid climate and meagre rainfall, low yields and escalating costs made grain farming an uphill battle. SSK’s focus at the time was to save the farmers and ensure they could continue working their farms.”
His tireless efforts played a crucial role in preventing the farmers from succumbing to financial strain and forced displacement.
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As the years passed, De Beer assumed various roles within the cooperative which is now known as SSK. This included a stint as credit manager and head of the grain department. His deep understanding of agricultural economics proved instrumental in the success of numerous departments, contributing to the overall progress of the cooperative.
A remarkable turnaround
Over time, De Beer witnessed a dramatic shift in the region’s agricultural production. What was once a high-risk, low-yield, and low-profit farming area gradually transformed into a region known for its relatively stable grain production and commendable yields.
This remarkable turnaround was largely attributed to the adoption of conservation tillage and farming practices.
Follow the story on Farming with nature and discover how conservation agriculture became the cornerstone of farming practices in the Overberg region, how it has brought significant economic benefits to the region, breathing new life into its farming communities, and why by employing conservation practices that retain moisture, farmers gain the ability to plant in a timely manner and manage the growing season more effectively.
- Watch Farming with nature from Monday, 18 September to Sunday, 1 October at 19:30 on People°s Weather, DStv channel 180 and Openview channel 115. There is also a repeat broadcast at 21:00 on the same evening. For a comprehensive weekend catch-up, stay tuned for the omnibus edition airing on both Saturdays and Sundays.
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