The primary agriculture sector contributed R117.552 billion in 2023 and R133.843 billion in 2022, accounting for 2.8% of the total GDP, according to Stats SA. The sector may seem small on paper but consider the entire value chain. Today, I’m not here to bore you with the economics of agriculture but to share simple information for beginners. There’s a common belief that agriculture is easy for those unsure of their career path or at a dead end. I have bad news – nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, agriculture is one of the toughest businesses to start. It drains you before it gives back. The real question is, how thick is your skin? As we begin this journey of knowledge sharing in the industry I’ve found myself in, it’s important to step back and start from the beginning when I first took my baby steps into farming.
When my late husband, Herbert, mentioned farming to me almost 15 years ago, I burst out laughing. I remember saying, “You can’t be serious, love.” Unfortunately for me, he was.
One afternoon, we drove from Rosebank to the West Rand where he was going to show me “his big kept secret”. The problem was he took me to the farm in winter, and I was left underwhelmed. Everything looked dull and grey, as Gauteng does during the winter season.
We drove in, the farmer and his wife were expecting us. I was introduced to the elderly couple. The Gogo sized me up and asked, “Do you think you can handle farm life?” I replied, “I might not think so, but I love this man enough to give it a try.” The old farmer was just happy to see my husband, as they had formed a bond after his many visits to the farm over time.
The two men walked outside towards the kraal while I stayed inside with the tannie. She began sharing stories about her life on the farm and her contributions. Only later did I realise how much passion drove her. I see myself in her as I grow older. I love reading and discussing farming. This industry has been a journey of self-discovery, filled with endless learning, adjustments, and learning to trust others to hold my hand and guide me. With this background in mind, let me guide you through the first steps of getting started in farming.
Find your Agri:
First things first, decide which type of agricultural business suits you best. But don’t dismiss the idea that this choice may change as you learn more about the industry.
Once you’ve made your choice, gather as much information as you can. Conduct thorough research and reading. Try to find someone already in the field to shadow. If you come across a farmer willing to mentor you, seize that opportunity. Be prepared to spend your weekends helping out on the farm, as this is one of the best ways to learn.
Big is not always better:
Depending on what you want to farm, let’s consider vegetables as an example. This type of farming doesn’t require a large piece of land to start; you can begin with just 2 or 3 hectares. By the time you’re ready to expand, you’ll have gained valuable experience. So, what do you need to grow quality vegetables for the market? Good arable soil, good irrigation system and water rights (certificate) Having these three essentials puts you in a strong position. Remember, you have the basics covered. The next step is acquiring machinery. Fortunately, small-scale vegetable farming doesn’t require expensive equipment, but it’s helpful to have a small tractor or two, along with a disc and weeder. Focus on your own journey rather than comparing
yourself to more established producers. Be prepared to work six days a week.
Stick to your plan, keep reading, and seek advice. Remember that many members have faced failures and survived. In addition to a mentor, you’ll need access to agronomy services and other forms of support. Agronomy services often provide access to additional resources. You’ll need to test your soil and, in some cases, even your water.
Here at XploreZA, we hope this marks the beginning of your journey into farming. We promise to equip you with all the tools you need as we embark on this XploreAgri journey together.
