We did a short route this year to see how the farmers were making progress.

Below is as map of the route

 

 

Just before we came to Reitz we saw a lot of water still standing, as the area received very good rains the past couple of days.

The rain was welcomed by farmers. Although they have not started planting, we believe that they will do so soon, as conditions are ideal so far for the new season.

 

 

 

 

 

Some more photos of land that received good rains.

 

This area is also known for wheat, which looks very good this year. This wheat will be harvested around December to January.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some farmers have already started the new season after the good rains. Here we can see a farmer busy planting and ploughing the ground just outside Kroonstad.   

Just outside Welkom we saw flamingos in a wetland that formed after the good rains.

The Bothaville-area also received good rains, but because of the previous year’s low rainfall, follow-up rains are still needed to top-up ground levels.

The majority of farmers in the Northwest area will only start the season within the next month or so.

This area is mostly a White Maize producing area.

 Farmers next to the Vaal River started planting just as the river levels were rising,

so that they can hopefully make use of the higher prices in the nearby months.

One farmer’s crops under irrigation next to the Vaal river, is already well on its way.

The Lichtenburg area also looked much better since last year’s drought.

Clouds are forming on the horizon and more rain is expected that will be good for follow-up ground moisture.

Further to the Northwest, farmers are starting to get ready for planting,

but most are still waiting, as the season for this area usually starts later than that of the Mpumalanga province.