A treasure trove of knowledge, information, and innovation—that’s what the Pioneer Agronomy Day held between Vredefort and Kroonstad offered with a thought-provoking program of theoretical lectures and practical field trials.

This day provided valuable information and offered a platform for farmers to learn directly from experts and see the results of Pioneer’s trials in the field.

Farmers in the region had the opportunity to learn about the latest cultivars and agricultural technologies, and how to make the best decisions for the upcoming season.

Led by Pioneer’s experienced team, farmers gained insights to help them face the challenges of the agricultural industry with confidence.

Overview of the day

Johan (Fires) van Vuuren, Pioneer’s Local Agent in the Kroonstad area, has been with Pioneer for 20 years.

Johan emphasised that the farm of Hannes van der Merwe, the host of the day, could be used as an example of long-term farming success:

“Hannes started with no-till farming about 20 years ago, and today he’s reaping the rewards of his consistency and planning. This kind of long-term approach helps farmers adapt successfully to changing circumstances,” he said.

At the Pioneer Agronomy Day, farmers could view the trials planted annually on the farm. These include maize, soybeans, and sunflower trials that Pioneer conducts nationwide as part of their Product Knowledge Trials (PKP). The trials offer farmers a valuable look into how different cultivars adapt and perform in specific environments and how that affects yield.

Trial data

The trials had a joint focus on evaluating Pioneer’s cultivars. Johan emphasised how the trials provide information about Pioneer’s own product portfolio and compare with other cultivars on the market, allowing farmers to make informed decisions through realistic comparisons.

“Through the data we get from these trials, we can help farmers make decisions that work specifically for their farm conditions,” he said.

Hennie du Plooy, Pioneer’s Area Manager for the Free State and eastern North West region, explained that the maize trials shown to the farmers were particularly important.

“We planted the WPW-named maize, which is available commercially for the first time, on the trial farm and showed it to the farmers.

“The maize uses PowerCore™ (PW) technology, which is a big step forward for the industry. The feedback we’ve received from farmers is incredibly valuable.”

According to Hennie, the Agronomy Days give farmers the chance to see the cultivars, touch them, and walk through the trial fields.

“We use the day to show farmers how new technologies can improve their farming operations,” he said, adding, “seeing is believing.”

Pioneer’s support for farmers

The most important advantage of Pioneer’s approach, according to Hennie, is the direct involvement of their field agents in the trials.

He said: “Our agents in the field are well-trained, we do the trials ourselves, we’re involved in the practical execution, and in my opinion, that’s how you really get to know your product. You can see where it works, what it does, what its advantages are, and in which soil it performs best.”

Farmers are supported through a thorough evaluation of what works in their specific environment. The field agent treats each farm as a unique situation and draws on Pioneer’s strong agronomic team to provide the best possible recommendations. This approach not only ensures optimal results but also enables farmers to make their own informed decisions that benefit their operations.

Value of the day

Hannes van der Merwe, farmer and owner of Kroonland Agri, on whose farm the Agronomy Day was held, emphasised the value of days like this.

“As farmers, we’re often focused on daily tasks on the farm and sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture. It’s important to occasionally step back and use opportunities like this to discover the latest technologies and methodologies,” he said.

Hannes, who has worked with Pioneer for years, sees the company’s long-term involvement and support as a major benefit to his farming operation:

“Pioneer has always performed well under our farming conditions. I’ve found that Pioneer’s disease resistance is better than that of competitors, and the support we get in terms of agronomic and technical assistance throughout the season from Pioneer’s agents and agricultural experts is extremely valuable. For us, the client relationship is a big part of our success with Pioneer.”

Highlights of the day

Innovation and microbiology: The next step

According to Hannes, one of the highlights of the day was the discussion about the role of microbiology in improving nitrogen efficiency.

“We’re looking at how beneficial bacteria can improve nitrogen efficiency in maize, which is a high-input crop. If we can increase that, it will help reduce production costs,” he said.

He praised the younger generation of farmers and newcomers to the industry who attended the day:

“It’s exciting to see how eager the new generation is to learn and how knowledgeable they are. It’s clear that the future of agriculture is in good hands.”

Advice to other farmers

Hannes shared his perspective:

“It’s always nice to give advice. We work in an industry where many things are out of our control, but as long as you focus on what is within your control and don’t let what’s outside your control influence you, success is inevitable. Our farms are already impacted enough by seasonal fluctuations.”

He concluded: “So, do trials, don’t implement every new trend on a 100% scale immediately, stay aware of what’s new in the industry, but introduce it gradually into your operation and see how it fits into your system and what advantages it can bring within your management practices.”

The Pioneer Agronomy Day was more than just exposure to new technologies and cultivars. It was a day where farmers could expand their knowledge, engage with field experts, and gain the insights needed to shape their decisions for the coming season. The value of such days is immeasurable, and the partnership between Pioneer and farmers is something that strengthens and sustains the agricultural industry in South Africa.

For more information or enquiries, farmers can contact Pioneer by emailing info.rsa@pioneer.com or visit their website at www.pioneer.com/za.