“You have to farm in harmony with nature, or she’s going to kick you off,” warns Pieter de Jager, a Southern Cape farmer who has harnessed the power of precision agriculture to reshape the farming landscape.
This fourth-generation farmer from the Albertinia district transitioned from livestock to grains, embracing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices along the way. His journey began with an insatiable curiosity.
“I think the research triggered me to always look for answers to questions and be on the lookout for new challenges,” he reflects on his passion for farming. His fervour for precision agriculture and the adoption of modern technology set him on a path where innovation met tradition.
De Jager’s land has become a beacon of hope for a new era of farming. However, he is candid about the challenges that accompany technological advancements. “Technology is expensive,” he acknowledges, serving as a reminder that while innovation can be a game-changer, it also comes with its own set of financial obstacles.
From livestock to grains
He hails from a family of livestock farmers but decided to shift towards grain farming. “My ancestors didn’t have grain fields,” he explains. “But since we obtained land suited to grain farming, we were looking for ways to produce grain better.”
The transition wasn’t easy, with the initial decline of grain farming in the district due to factors like diminishing rainfall and soil degradation.
The benefits of conservation agriculture became evident over time. “The moisture retention of the soil is better, erosion is reduced,” De Jager notes.
“Risk factors are reduced in dry years because the moisture retention of your soil is better.”
The transformation was a gradual one, with him observing the long-term positive effects of his conservation practices.
Precision agriculture became a cornerstone of his approach. “Technology is not necessarily about developing new fertilisers or new chemical molecules,” he explains. “It’s more about the application of fertiliser or chemicals or the interpretation of harvester data.”
His commitment to precision is unwavering, as he emphasises the efficiency achieved through technology.
A sustainable future
As De Jager envisions the future of his farm and agriculture in the region, sustainability remains at the forefront. “You have to farm in harmony with nature, or she’s going to kick you off,” he warns. His dedication to preserving the land for future generations drives his commitment to sustainable practices.
His dedication to conservation agriculture extends beyond his farm. “I think the future of this district will be built on embracing this proven system,” he states. He believes that the adoption of these practices not only benefits farmers but also has a positive impact on the local community, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
De Jager’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of embracing technology and sustainable practices in agriculture. His commitment to preserving the land and fostering a more sustainable future underscores the vital role of innovative farmers like him in shaping the future of agriculture, ensuring that it thrives in harmony with nature.
- Tune in for Food For Mzansi and SSK’s brand-new Farming with nature television series, airing 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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