Farmers’ days are a popular tradition in South Africa but these days, producers who attend an InteliGro Grain Rally can expect something different: an experience that combines practical, instructive information with fun and adventure.
The Covid lockdowns brought about a far-reaching change to InteliGro’s programme of farmers’ days by forcing a creative rethink of the entire concept. “We planned to present a virtual event, but it was way too formal and out of step with who and what we are,” says Gerrie Ludick from InteliGro. “We had to come up with something new.” The result is the InteliGro Grain Rally in which producers participate in an outdoor setting.
The inspiration for the fresh approach was the requirement for producers to maintain social distance while gathered on a farm. “That led us to thinking that if people can attend online meetings without leaving their offices, we could do the same with a farmers’ day, seeing that we all know a producer’s office is his bakkie!” says Janet Lawless, InteliGro Technical Marketing Manager. From there it was a small step to the theme that running a farm is like driving a bakkie – it’s all about control.
The idea that took shape was that producers would attend the farmers’ day in their bakkies and, as with any other rally, navigate a set route from start to finish. Along the way there would be information stops, or stands, each with its own theme, where InteliGro experts and suppliers would engage producers on a range of topics. Even the refreshments would be served in the cab!
Just before the first farmers’ day was due to take place, however, the Covid restrictions were eased, allowing the format to be adjusted to include more personal interactions, such as an informal get-together to conclude the day. It was also decided that instead of every producer in his own bakkie, a maximum of 80 guests would be invited to the event and hosted in groups of four in 20 vehicles.
“Our objectives with the new-format farmers’ day were clear,” says Lawless. “We wanted to convey information in the most practical way possible, while including an element of fun and adventure.” Further inspired by the science of experiential learning, the stands were designed to engage visitors’ senses. During the talk on the effective application of agrochemicals, for instance, producers could smell and handle the different products.
Relevant and instructive
InteliGro has always been known for its valuable information days, but the Grain Rally approach offers more value than ever before with the experience that is created for producers.
“In deciding on topics for discussion, we looked at what was relevant in the previous and current seasons,” says Lawless. “The goal was to identify problems that producers experienced and address it in practical terms.”
Against this backdrop, the current round of Grain Rallies explores four topics.
- The effective management of Lepidoptera, which was a major headache due to the abundant summer rainfall, through the four pillars of integrated pest control:
- Action threshold values: The window for the effective control of certain Lepidoptera is very narrow; hence it is of the utmost importance to monitor population numbers and establish threshold values.
- Prevention: Chemical products aside, pests can also be controlled through measures such as crop rotation (alternating host and non-host crops) and the use of cultivar-genetics technology.
- Identification: For pests to be managed sustainably and effectively, they must be correctly identified at every lifecycle stage.
- Control: The big guns, i.e., non-selective products used as broadcast applications, are always the last resort when chemical control is used. The preferred option by far is to use solutions that are specific to the pest to be controlled and that have a safer profile for humans, animals and the environment.
- South Africa remains a semi-arid country, despite the heavy rainfall of the past season. As such, a moisture management programme has to be followed in dry-land production regions. Winter cover crops can maintain biological activity in the soil during the cold season, while simultaneously serving as livestock feed. Producers usually measure the efficacy of a cover crop in terms of kilograms of meat produced per hectare by taking into account costs related to crop establishment, livestock purchases and management. Moisture management, however, is seldom part of the equation. Under the Intelekt Solutions banner, producers are shown how to calculate the winter cover crop’s water usage and convert it into kilograms of grain per hectare.
- The effective and safe application of chemical products is woven into the fabric of InteliGro’s stewardship focus. During the Grain Rallies, producers are reminded of the factors that thwart effective application, and are also introduced to DropSight. This ground-breaking technology allows producers to determine the quality and quantity of an active ingredient’s distribution on the target and to make adjustments where necessary.
- The role of bio stimulants in row crops is on the agenda, given that erratic results leave producers in doubt about the efficacy of these products. Soil composition and characteristics are determining factors for successful outcomes, but are seldom considered during application. During the Grain Rallies, producers can learn from the results of three years of Intelekt Solutions trials done on row crops.
“The fact that the farmers’ days are hosted on farms, bolster their practical value and give effect to the InteliGro philosophy that in agriculture, everything starts and happens on the farm,” says Ludick.
The success of the inspired approach of the InteliGro Grain Rallies is clearly illustrated by the lively and dynamic interaction at the information stands, as well as feedback from producers. “What sets the Grain Rally apart from other farmers’ days is that you don’t sit in a hall the whole day just listening to talks,” says Alex Terreblanche from Edenville. “The obstacle route is a fun way to clear one’s head after each presentation. I learn a lot at these Rallies and enjoy them too. I look forward to the next one.”
