La FarmiaKnowledge & Markets

Knowledge Hub

Farming advice you can use today

Short, practical guides from extension officers, vets and agri-finance experts.

Markets · 4 min read

Tracing the roots of farming income

By Statistics South Africa

Stats SA’s Agricultural Survey 2024 shows which products earn South African farms the most income, and how much of the industry is driven by small, medium and micro farmers.

Key tips

  • Horticulture earned the largest share of farm sales income at 27%, ahead of field crops (24%), animals (23%) and animal products (20%).
  • Maize, cattle and fruit (excluding grapes) were the leading individual sources of income.
  • SMMEs generated just over a third of commercial farming income and employed just over half of the workforce: 425,684 of 840,407 workers.
  • Commercial agriculture added 25,614 jobs between 2023 and 2024, a 3.1% increase. The Western Cape contributed the most to sales and employment.
Source: Statistics South Africa, 12 December 2025(opens in a new tab)

Crops · 6 min read

Planting maize in summer rainfall areas

By Agricultural Extension Team

Timing, spacing and seed choice make the biggest difference to yields in the Highveld and KwaZulu-Natal midlands.

Key tips

  • Plant after the first 25 mm of rain so the seedbed holds enough moisture.
  • Use a plant population of 18,000–25,000 plants per hectare for dryland fields.
  • Choose a cultivar suited to your area’s season length and rainfall.
  • Scout for fall armyworm weekly from emergence to tasseling.
Source: Grain SA — production reports(opens in a new tab)

Livestock · 5 min read

Practical tick control for cattle

By Dr. N. Khumalo, Veterinarian

Ticks spread heartwater and redwater. A planned dipping schedule protects your herd and your income.

Key tips

  • Dip or spray every 7–14 days in summer, depending on tick load.
  • Rotate between chemical groups each season to slow resistance.
  • Check ears, tail and udder where ticks hide most.
  • Consider hardy breeds like Nguni that show natural resistance.
Source: Agricultural Research Council (ARC)(opens in a new tab)

Soil & Water · 4 min read

Why soil testing pays for itself

By Soil Health Programme

A simple soil test tells you exactly which fertiliser and how much lime you need — saving money every season.

Key tips

  • Take 15–20 samples in a zig-zag across each field and mix them.
  • Sample to plough depth, about 15–20 cm.
  • Test every 2–3 years, ideally before planting.
  • Correct acidity with lime before adding more fertiliser.
Source: Fertilizer Association of Southern Africa (FERTASA)(opens in a new tab)

Markets · 7 min read

Selling to fresh produce markets

By Market Access Desk

How national fresh produce markets work, what agents charge, and how to grade and pack for better prices.

Key tips

  • Register with a market agent before your first delivery.
  • Grade produce by size and quality; mixed loads fetch lower prices.
  • Use clean, standard packaging that buyers recognise.
  • Check daily market prices before deciding when to send stock.
Source: Joburg Market(opens in a new tab)

Soil & Water · 5 min read

Rainwater harvesting for small farms

By Smallholder Support Network

Low-cost ways to capture and store rainwater for vegetables and livestock during dry spells.

Key tips

  • Collect roof runoff into JoJo tanks — 1 mm of rain on 1 m² gives 1 litre.
  • Dig contour trenches to slow runoff and soak water into the soil.
  • Mulch beds to reduce evaporation by up to 70%.
  • Use drip lines to put water directly at the roots.
Source: Water Research Commission (WRC)(opens in a new tab)

Finance · 6 min read

Accessing finance and grants as a farmer

By Agri Finance Advisors

An overview of blended finance, input loans and government support programmes available to emerging farmers.

Key tips

  • Keep simple records of income, expenses and yields — lenders ask for them.
  • Check your provincial Department of Agriculture for support schemes.
  • Joining a cooperative can improve access to input finance.
  • Have a basic business plan showing how the loan will be repaid.
Source: Land Bank(opens in a new tab)