On the farm of Johan Claasen Boerdery outside Bothaville, modern irrigation plays a central role in the success of the farm’s crop production. Wesley Smit, general manager of the farm’s irrigation unit, explains why they farm with canola.
“We were looking for a crop to add another winter grain. Canola brings value not only primarily, but also secondarily by improving soil health. We’re still investigating it, but this year shows that we made good use of the opportunity. Canola definitely has a place as a rotation crop in the Free State.”
Wesley emphasises that canola’s water requirements are relatively low compared to other crops.
