Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Improving a harvest begins with a well-developed agronomic foundation and stronger agronomic knowledge among producers. This was the core message from Nico Barnard, agronomist for Pannar Seed in South Africa’s central region, who spoke at the Pannar Extravaganza held on 4 March in Val, Mpumalanga.
The Pannar Extravaganza-events, hosted at various locations across the country throughout March, provide producers with an excellent opportunity to explore Pannar’s latest products while connecting with their representatives and agronomists.
Lessons for crop yields
Barnard’s presentation, centring around practices for delivering top-yielding maize, was the highlight of the day. He opened on an encouraging note, pointing out that South Africa’s maize yields outperform those in the USA.
After presenting an overview of maize yields across the country, Barnard compared the average yields of Mpumalanga with those of producers competing in yield competitions in the same region. The comparison, used as a practical guide for improving overall yields, revealed a 10t/ha. According to Barnard, closing this gap by just 2t/ha would place South Africa on par with the USA.
He went on to outline lessons that can be learned from competing producers by analysing their behaviour. He pointed out the following:
- Despite widespread concerns about overfertilisation, 75% of those competing in yield competitions apply nitrogen throughout the season.
- A preventative program should be implemented to control disease and pests.
- Producers should expand their own agronomic knowledge and make decisions based on verified information.
Barnard further advised on specific production components that should be optimised to improve yields for both grain and soybeans.
More from the day
Pannar used the rest of the day to showcase their products. Attendees had the opportunity to consult with experts and receive detailed guidance on which products perform best in which regions and for what production goals.
Plaas Media took the opportunity to speak to John Odendaal, Pannar’s business manager who will be retiring in April, and his successor, Lukas Meyer. They shared insights into the company’s impact on both the community and the agricultural industry over the past 40 years.
The event was filled with interesting conversations and a sense of community, accompanied by a much appreciated braai and ice cream. – Yantha Wolmarans, Plaas Media
