By Mabuyane Mabuza
This time of year, people often talk about and share their holiday plans with friends or on social media. At a motor industry event earlier this month, someone asked if I was travelling. I just laughed and said I don’t have the luxury of festive-season travel like they do. Apart from loathing crowded places, I can’t do it because I am a farmer. I will attempt to give you a glimpse of what a typical day for a farmer looks like – from how it starts and ends.
Nothing is as it seems in a day, a day could start like any other, ordinary but things can quickly change for the worse. This is where one always must be prepared.
You might start the day with a well-planned schedule, only to end up driving around looking for spare parts.
This is what a typical day during planting season looks like: It starts once production inputs have been ordered and are on-site.
Morning Meetings
The farmer and their team meet to plan the day. They begin by tilling the fields, depending on the type of work required. This process uses an implement called a disc, unless the no-till method is being used. Some fields may require a tool called a ripper, used only after a few seasons to aid in moisture retention. Tilling the land usually begins in early September or right after harvesting, Along with lime application (this only happens after four seasons)
Each team member has a dedicated task.
Work often runs smoothly when we’re lucky, but this is not always the case. Farmers frequently have to search for bearings, bolts, nuts, and other small but crucial items that can halt operations. The workers report any machinery issues and whether spares or a mechanic are needed. Older machinery is easier to repair, and many farm labourers can work on it.
After this, all tractors must be checked, tyres inflated, dust blown from the engine compartment, and then fuelled before heading to the fields. In the kraal, the modisi shares observations, particularly about pregnancies, updating on which cow is close to delivery so it can be isolated from the herd. They also report any injuries. The farmer should inspect the kraal four to five times a week to spot anything unusual.
Once the workers are in the fields, farmers should focus on admin tasks between field visits throughout the day.
A day on a multifaceted farm is long.
When one operation is running, you’re quickly onto the next to keep everything running smoothly. You move between livestock, grass, and grains, while also taking customer calls, often from those urgently needing grass bales to feed their animals.
By this time, you’re already focused on what happens after the grains are planted. Often, it’s the first cut of grass that catches your attention. For me, staying involved in different areas means I’m constantly working and managing all my teams across various industries. By the end of the day, all you need is a shower and a good drink to wind the night down. Grain farmers slow down towards the end of January into February, but those who practise mixed farming continue. However, don’t we all need a break? This means farmers must make time to rest.
Happy farming!!
We have a lot in store in the new year and look forward to sharing it with you. Follow and like Xploreza on social media so you don’t miss out.
