South African farmers need to maintain refuge crops to slow the development of insect resistance to Bt corn

As crop protection options evolve and regulatory requirements change, farmers need more than just experience to apply agricultural chemicals safely. CropLife South Africa explains why training, responsible management, and collective responsibility are crucial.

Agricultural chemicals play a critical role in protecting crops, ensuring yields, and supporting food production. As crop protection technologies, regulatory standards, and safety requirements continue to change, continuous training helps farmers and their teams stay informed, strengthen responsible practices, and maintain the long-term availability of these indispensable tools.

For Quade Sing Jam, Head of Responsible Management at CropLife South Africa, responsible use is a shared obligation that covers the entire farm. From selecting and storing products to their safe application and proper disposal of containers—every stage offers an opportunity to protect people, crops, and the environment.

He notes: 'Many people have worked with agricultural chemicals for years but have never undergone formal training.' This can lead to gaps in understanding hazard communication rules, label interpretation, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response procedures, and container disposal.

On the Food For Mzansi podcast Farmer’s Inside Track, Sing Jam and Elriza Theron, Strategic Partnerships and Operations Manager at CropLife South Africa, emphasized the need to extend responsible use across the entire farm—from product selection and storage to application and subsequent disposal.

According to Sing Jam, responsible use aims to protect people, crops, and the environment while preserving the future efficacy of crop protection products. He explains: 'It means ensuring the correct selection, handling, and storage of agricultural chemicals, as well as responsible management of every subsequent step, from mixing and application to disposal, throughout the product's life cycle.'

This responsibility extends beyond the person who mixes or sprays the product. Everyone involved in obtaining, storing, transporting, applying, or disposing of agricultural chemicals plays a role.

One of the most vital tools available to farmers and farm workers is the label, which is present on every product container. Sing Jam asserts: 'The label is one of the most important tools available to anyone working with an agricultural chemical. And, as we always say, the label is the law.'

The label contains legally significant information, including application rates, precautions, first aid measures, environmental warnings, and PPE requirements. However, habit can breed complacency, especially if a person has been using the same product for years.

Sing Jam warns that labels and formulations can change, even if the product name remains the same. A new formulation can affect dosage rates, and updated regulatory requirements or safety information can alter application instructions.

He cautions: 'If you don't read the label, you cannot rely on outdated information instead of the most current guidelines available to you on the label.'

Farmers and workers must pay close attention to hazard warnings and symbols, usage instructions, application rates and timings, protective equipment requirements, first aid instructions, environmental precautions, and storage conditions.

Safe storage and disposal of containers also require attention, especially in areas where children, animals, and the environment may be at risk.

Personal protective equipment is another area where simply having the right gear is not enough. Workers must understand what is required for a specific product, when it needs to be worn, how it should fit, and how to maintain it.

Farmers and managers must ensure that workers have properly quality equipment and understand how to inspect, clean, and store it. Damaged gloves, torn overalls, or contaminated equipment can cease to provide the protection for which they are intended.

Spare equipment must also be available when necessary. Therefore, training is crucial so that workers know how to properly use protective gear, rather than viewing it as just another requirement to tick off on paper.

Responsible use also implies knowing what to do if something goes wrong. Sing Jam believes that every farm should have an emergency preparedness plan that is understandable to workers. This includes knowing where to find emergency information, where first aid kits are stored, who the first responders are, and how to manage spills, accidental exposure, and decontamination.

Spill kits are only useful if people know how to use them. Similarly, emergency response procedures must be accessible, and workers must know whom to contact for help. Farmers must also identify local rescuers and ensure they are aware of the activities taking place on the farm.

This confidence is achieved through preparation and practice. Knowing the correct response before an incident can help workers act more effectively and reduce the consequences of an accident.

Responsible use does not end after spraying is complete. Empty containers, residual materials, and other waste must be managed according to applicable regulations. Treating containers as regular trash or failing to follow proper disposal procedures can create environmental risks and opportunities for improper reuse.

Theron and Sing Jam stress that management must cover the entire lifecycle of the agricultural chemical—from selection to disposal.

To help bridge these knowledge gaps, CropLife South Africa offers the 'Responsible Use of Agricultural Chemicals: Trainer Training' course. The program is designed to provide participants with practical knowledge that they can share with colleagues, helping responsible practices become part of daily farm operations.

Theron says the idea is that training shouldn't stop with the person who attended the course. She explains: 'There can be several people on a farm involved in obtaining, storing, mixing, applying, and disposing of these products, and it is not enough for only one person to understand the requirements if the rest of the team does not have the same knowledge.'

The course covers regulatory framework, hazard communication, safe handling, PPE, emergency response, waste management, and container disposal. Successful participants gain access to learning materials they can use to disseminate information to their teams.

The course costs 400 Rand, excluding VAT, with the fee intended to cover running expenses. Considering the time constraints faced by farmers, CropLife South Africa has made the course available online and self-paced. Participants are given three months to complete the modules, although those who prefer can finish sooner. Assessments are conducted after the modules, and successful participants receive a certificate valid for three years.

Theron urges farmers to view responsible use as a team responsibility, not just something for the person applying the product. Managers and supervisors influence work procedures, equipment availability, instructions, and oversight. Staff involved in storage, transport, and waste management also require training tailored to their roles.

The trainer training model offers a practical way to spread this knowledge in the workplace.

There is a broader reason to take responsible use seriously: the future availability of crop protection products. Theron points out that developing and registering new crop protection solutions is a complex, time-consuming process. If products are used irresponsibly, and risks to human health and the environment are not properly managed, these products may face restrictions or potentially lose their market position.

She states: 'If we lose an important tool, we cannot assume that another will be available tomorrow to replace it.'

Thus, responsible use is not just about individual compliance. It also supports the sustainability and viability of the agricultural sector.

Sing Jam reminds farmers that knowledge must keep pace with changing products, regulations, and safety expectations. He concludes: 'Responsible use starts with knowledge,' and shares the adage: 'I hear and forget. I see and remember. I do and understand.'

Theron agrees that experience should never be confused with currency. Improper use can affect colleagues, families, the environment, the farm business, and the future availability of essential crop protection products. She argues: 'Training should not be seen as a checkbox or an unnecessary interruption to the workday. It is truly an investment in people and in the sustainability of the business itself and the future of our industry.'

As the agricultural arsenal changes, the message is clear: access to crop protection products is only part of the equation. Farmers also need people who understand the risks, know the correct procedures, and can apply that knowledge in practice.

Although leading producers in South Africa achieve record yields exceeding local averages by approximately 10 tons per hectare, many farmers do not utilize the full potential of their seeds. Agronomist Nico Barnard from Pannar Seed explains how this significant yield gap can be overcome by protecting crop potential through timely and targeted operations.

The yield gap is defined as the difference between the full genetic potential of the crop and what is actually harvested. Every season, farmers start with maximum potential, but unaddressed limitations constantly reduce this prospect.

Achieving higher productivity depends on optimizing existing management practices, including soil condition and field operations, rather than simply trying to solve agronomic problems by increasing costs.

Higher resource expenditure does not automatically guarantee a greater harvest. Adding more fertilizer or increasing planting density often does not address underlying limitations such as soil compaction or low root volume.

Barnard notes: 'Farmers must optimize what they already have before adding extra resources. For example, if poor establishment is caused by soil compaction, applying more fertilizer to the field may not solve the core problem, as plant roots may still struggle to access water and nutrients.'

Instead of relying on more intensive application, he advises that the true value lies in precise placement of resources, timely weed control, and eliminating physical barriers in the soil so that root systems can effectively absorb applied nutrients.

Barnard asserts that corn yield develops in stages based on four key factors: plant density, ear count, kernel count per ear, and final grain mass. The main characteristics of the ear are established early—the number of rows is determined around the V5 growth stage, and the number of kernels per row at the V12 stage, long before the ears become visible in the field.

When environmental stresses or nutrient deficiencies occur during grain development, the plant limits its energy load through kernel abortion. Since approximately one-third of the total dry matter of the crop accumulates in the last 30 days before physiological maturity, late-season management remains equally important.

Maintaining healthy leaf surface against diseases and ensuring active photosynthesis during grain filling protects the final grain mass, guaranteeing a strong completion of the crop cycle.

Achieving an even, uniform planting from the start is mandatory, as losses incurred in the early stages can never be compensated for later in the life cycle. Barnard warns: 'Every missing, weak, or late germinating plant can reduce the crop's ability to reach its potential.' He adds that good establishment starts with quality seed but also depends on creating favorable and uniform conditions for germination and emergence.

Narrowing the yield gap begins with identifying the specific factors limiting production on individual fields. Producers can consistently protect yield potential and ensure higher profits by making targeted, phased operational adjustments instead of trying to change everything at once.

Access to financial resources allows farmers to acquire necessary resources, invest in equipment, expand production, or cover seasonal cash needs. However, having a viable farming enterprise does not guarantee automatic approval of a loan application.

It is crucial for farmers to understand the concept of credit risk and demonstrate the ability to manage and repay debt when preparing to obtain financing. Sibo Molo, an agricultural consultant and director of Molo Consulting, Brendan Jacobs, Head of Agribusiness at Standard Bank, and Zama Sangweni, an agricultural economist at Absa, highlight several aspects that should be considered before approaching a lender.

Farmers can obtain various types of financing, including overdrafts, business loans, asset financing, revolving credit lines, trade finance, and working capital loans. Sangweni notes that each type of loan has a specific purpose, and farmers must ensure that the chosen instrument aligns with the intended financing goals.

She emphasizes: 'The type of loan must actually match the purpose and lifespan of the investments being financed.' For example, an overdraft is better suited for managing short-term cash flow fluctuations, whereas a long-term loan can be used for large projects such as farm expansion or infrastructure work.

Sangweni explains that a loan makes sense when it is used to create future value and promote business growth. If the enterprise constantly takes out loans just to cover operational losses or monthly expenses, this is often seen as a sign of poor cash flow management.

In such cases, alternative funding sources such as grants, venture capital, blended finance, or development finance may be more appropriate.

There are different types of financing: short-term instruments (overdrafts, trade finance) are ideal for purchasing raw materials and covering seasonal cash gaps. Medium- and long-term instruments (asset financing, term loans) are intended for acquiring machinery, livestock, and developing infrastructure.

A farmer's creditworthiness is determined not only by the financial performance of the agricultural business itself. Molo points out that lenders may also consider the personal credit history of the farm owner or company directors.

Molo notes: 'Your personal credit history is very important when you apply for business financing.' Unpaid personal accounts, whether retail or mobile, can negatively affect the credit profile and potentially hinder access to financing.

Sangweni adds that this is especially relevant for new or small businesses with limited operating history, as lenders may examine the owner's financial behavior alongside the business activities. As the business matures, the focus increasingly shifts to the enterprise's own financial efficiency and credit profile.

Therefore, farmers are advised to check their credit records before applying, identify any outstanding accounts or disputes, and settle legitimate debts where possible. Credit committees in South Africa assess your compliance, financial management, and operational risks before disbursing funds. It is recommended to conduct an audit of your business against these 25 key criteria to assess your application readiness.

Jacobs states that lenders analyze both general risks associated with agriculture and the risks of the specific business seeking financing. Industry risk considers factors affecting the agricultural sector, including the commodity and the farmer's geographical area of operation. At the same time, counterparty risk examines the management team and business practices.

Sangweni believes that the fundamental question for a financier is the business's ability to sustainably repay debt. 'We look at cash flow generation. We also look at business profitability.'

Lenders may also consider the current level of debt, credit history, collateral, and the purpose of the financing.

One of the most important points before taking out a loan is determining a realistic amount of debt the farm can afford. Sangweni advises farmers not to base their borrowing needs solely on the amount the lender is willing to offer.

'The starting point is always the cash flow, not the amount the lender is willing or able to provide,' she states. Farmers must understand what free cash flow remains after covering operating expenses, taxes, and existing debt obligations. They must also assess whether they can make payments during periods of reduced business activity or in case of an agricultural downturn. Sangweni recommends stress-testing the business before taking on additional commitments.

Agriculture is subject to various risks that can affect income and repayment ability. These include crop losses, commodity price fluctuations, labor issues, changes in margins, and high capital expenditures. Jacobs insists that farmers must be aware of these risks and demonstrate what measures they are taking to manage them.

He says: 'Financial management practices must demonstrate effectiveness in farming practices, understanding data, actions taken for risk management and mitigation, and proactive cost control.' For instance, a farmer requesting financing for production must be able to explain expected yield, production costs, market conditions, and what precautions are available if conditions change.

Droughts, floods, disease outbreaks, and other climatic events can directly impact farm production and income. This makes climate resilience an increasingly significant aspect of farmers' financial risk management. Jacobs notes that agricultural financiers understand the cyclical nature of agriculture and susceptibility to external shocks. He adds that 'proactive communication aids planning,' and banks also consider the farmer's ability to cope with difficulties and withstand financial adversity.

Consequently, farmers should consider investments and management methods that reduce vulnerability, such as water-efficient irrigation, appropriate insurance, diversifying production where commercially viable, and robust contingency planning.

Sound financial reporting is one of the cornerstones of responsible credit management. Molo advises farmers to keep regular records and maintain accurate financial statements.

He emphasizes: 'Financial reporting is necessary for obtaining financing.' An accurate asset register is also important, which should reflect assets such as tractors, vehicles, and livestock, with up-to-date identification information. Such records help the farmer understand the business's value and can be useful when assessing collateral or security.

Sangweni reports that lenders may require annual financial statements, management reports, bank statements, cash flow forecasts, company registration documents, tax information, and details of financing use. She explains: 'If the information is more complete and accurate, it creates a better opportunity for the lender to actually assess your application and make an informed decision.'

Farmers should also separate their farm and personal finances and regularly record transactions instead of trying to reconstruct records when the financing application deadline approaches.

Farmers with little or no business credit history can start by demonstrating that the business is capable of meeting its financial obligations. Sangweni recommends maintaining proper financial documentation, separating personal and business finances, keeping transaction records, and demonstrating a stable cash flow.

She asserts: 'It is very important to create proof that the business can responsibly manage financial obligations.'

When necessary, smaller credit lines also allow the business to build a repayment track record before taking on large amounts of debt.

When considering a loan, farmers should look beyond just the interest rate. Sangweni notes that the total cost of borrowing can include interest, transaction fees, and other charges, as well as the frequency and terms of repayment. 'They need to understand the total cost of borrowing.'

Farmers must determine whether interest rates are fixed or variable, understand what will happen to payments if rates rise, and consider how payments will affect cash flow if income is delayed. The repayment term must also align with the financing goal. Sangweni warns: 'You cannot use a long-term investment financing tool for a short-term project.'

Borrowing can promote growth, but excessive debt can limit the farm's ability to operate and respond to changing conditions. Sangweni highlights several warning signs, including repeatedly taking on new debt to pay off old debt, persistent cash shortages, rising monthly obligations, and an increasing proportion of income directed towards debt servicing.

She concludes: 'When debt begins to restrict operational flexibility or strategic decision-making, it is often time to review the financial structure.' Farmers should also be cautious if borrowed funds are used for purposes other than those specified in the financing application.

Responsible borrowing means using debt for purposes that strengthen the business, not just postponing existing financial problems. Sangweni notes that successful enterprises tend to use credit to generate future income, including productive assets, expansion, technology upgrades, or additional working capital linked to proven growth potential.

Jacobs similarly advises farmers to use reliable data when preparing financing applications, rather than relying on overly optimistic projections. 'Be transparent with your financier; it builds trust and relationships,' advises Jacobs.

Collateral can be a serious obstacle for farmers who do not own traditionally accepted assets. However, the absence of collateral does not mean the farmer has no financing options. Sangweni says that farmers without collateral must strengthen other aspects of their applications. Farmers can also explore blended finance, development finance, and credit guarantee mechanisms if they suit them. Some financing structures place more emphasis on demonstrated cash flow generation and repayment ability than solely on assets.

Proper debt management begins before repayment problems arise. Farmers must closely monitor repayment schedules, avoid excessive commitments, and contact lenders if financial pressure is anticipated. Sangweni asserts: 'Missing payments is generally much more damaging than maintaining transparent relationships and communication before difficulties arise.'

Early communication can allow the farmer and the lender to assess available options before the situation becomes more difficult. Ultimately, credit management is more than just getting a loan; it is building a farming business capable of productively utilizing borrowed capital.