Nestled within the breath-taking 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.
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.
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.
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.
Conservation agriculture, with its emphasis on minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and leaving crop residues on the field, became the cornerstone of farming practices in the Overberg region. These transformative changes brought stability and increased profitability to the farmers.
De Beer passionately emphasised the impact of conservation agriculture, stating, “It changed the prospects for the Southern Cape community and its economy as well.”
Among the notable transformations De Beer witnessed was the rise of canola production in the region. The cultivation of canola provided farmers with an additional cash crop option, bolstering the overall stability of the agricultural sector.
While canola production faced initial challenges, such as low yields, advancements in technology and cultivars paved the way for remarkable progress in recent years. The increased production of canola has brought significant economic benefits to the region, breathing new life into its farming communities.
“Do you remember the first time you heard about and saw no-till when it arrived [in Swellendam and surrounding areas]?” asked Ardington, who grew up on a sugar cane and cattle farm in KwaZulu Natal
De Beer pondered for a moment before responding, “Actually, I didn’t take that much note of it at that stage because it wasn’t my focus. But I do remember Jack Human and what we called the revolution in that area.”
Jack Human, a pioneer in the field, ignited a transformative journey by introducing no-till and conservation tillage practices. His actions resonated with other farmers, gradually paving the way for the Overberg region to become a stronghold of conservation agriculture.
He embraced the concept of no-till farming over 30 years ago. Human’s transformative journey began in the Heidelberg district after a devastating flood in 1983 caused significant soil erosion, leaving him no choice but to seek alternative farming methods. Reflecting on the impact of the erosion at the time, Human described it as “the biggest natural disaster” he had experienced, prompting a profound realisation about the need for change.
Recalling the prevailing practices of the time, Human in earlier interviews spoke of how repairing rainfall damage on ploughed soil was the norm. However, he recognised that soil erosion not only depleted a precious resource but also undermined the long-term sustainability of agriculture. Determined to prevent such devastation from occurring again, he made a courageous decision: he sold his ploughs and embarked on a new path.
Looking to the future, De Beer stressed the importance of addressing ongoing challenges, including rising energy costs, the need for environmentally friendly chemicals, and exploring diverse crop options.
He also recognised the rapid development of technology and precision farming, which hold immense potential for improving efficiency and productivity. However, he cautioned that the costs associated with these advancements could lead to larger farming units, potentially impacting social and rural development.
With climate change casting its shadow of uncertainty, De Beer emphasised the necessity of adaptation and continuous evolution. Preserving moisture remains a paramount concern, given the winter rainfall region’s reliance on summer rainfall. By employing conservation practices that retain moisture, farmers gain the ability to plant in a timely manner and manage the growing season more effectively.
De Beer acknowledged that the path ahead will be fraught with challenges and opportunities. Embracing change, adopting sustainable practices, and seeking innovative solutions will be paramount in maintaining the region’s hard-earned agricultural success.
As the Overberg region marches forward, he believes it is essential for farmers, agribusinesses such as SSK, and stakeholders to collaborate, adapt, and seek sustainable solutions together. The legacy of the pioneers who introduced conservation agriculture will serve as an enduring inspiration and guide for the next chapter in the region’s extraordinary agricultural story.
