South African farmers are increasingly relying on innovation and technology to stay competitive in the face of climate variability, rising input costs, and global competition. With 90% of the country’s agricultural production dependent on rainfall, farmers are adopting new technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Speaking at the Bayer symposium, Grain SA senior economist Corné Louw outlined the critical role of technological advancements like biotechnology, precision farming, and herbicides in boosting productivity. Louw said that South African farmers must learn to “farm with moisture”, given the country’s unique climatic challenges.

Farming with Moisture: The Importance of Technology

Louw highlighted the importance of technologies in adapting to the challenges of climate variability. He said, “We must learn to farm with moisture and that means we need to use the most effective technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.” He credited herbicides like glyphosate and Roundup, for transforming farming practices. “Without glyphosate, we wouldn’t be able to farm the way we do today.”

The Need for Efficiency and Sustainability

Louw was quick to point out that farming was not just about innovation but also efficiency, particularly in the face of rising input costs. “Farming is like running on a treadmill where the pace increases every season. If we don’t improve our efficiency, we’ll fall behind,” he warned. Input costs, like diesel and seed prices, have surged over the years, often outpacing the price of maize, one of South Africa’s staple crops.

The Evolution of Maize Production

According to Louw, farming in South Africa has evolved significantly, with maize production increasing from 0,6t per hectare in the 1920s to an average of 6,35t per hectare today. Louw attributed this improvement to better farming practices, biotechnology, and precision agriculture. “The introduction of new hybrids and the adoption of precision agriculture, where we measure output down to the square metre, have been game changers. It’s no longer just about the highest yields, it’s about profitability,” he said.

Technological Advancements in Soya Bean Production

The use of technology has also transformed South Africa’s soya bean industry. Since the introduction of Roundup Ready soya beans in the early 2000s, “we have gone from failure to producing a record 2,7 million tons last year. We’re now even exporting to markets like China and Bangladesh.”

The Future of Farming: Continued Innovation

Louw remains optimistic about the future, particularly as new breeding techniques and innovations continue to emerge. “Without technology, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have today. It has given us higher yields, better pest and disease resistance, and, importantly, a safer environment for both consumers and animals.”

Louw stressed the need for continued investment in research and development. “If South African farmers weren’t such fast adopters of technology, we wouldn’t have been able to stay competitive. It’s essential that we keep pushing forward and embrace new technologies to meet the growing challenges in the agriculture sector.”

The Road Ahead for South African Farmers

The use of technology is crucial for the future of agriculture in South Africa. Farmers need to continue to adapt and adopt new technologies to stay ahead of the challenges of climate change, rising input costs, and global competition. The future of farming in South Africa looks promising, with continued innovation and investment in research and development playing a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of the industry.