The drought-stricken North West had much less rain, mostly in the form of isolated showers of less than 10mm, with localised showers of up to 20mm. This was according to Santam Agriculture weather expert, Johan van den Berg. “This is a good beginning for the 2013/2014 grain production season, but we still need at least 100mm for farmers to start planting in earnest.
Soil moisture levels have been depleted by two years of drought which makes it impossible to start planting with less than rain of at least 100mm,” he said.
However, Van den Berg said indications were that increased rainfall could be expected particularly in the late summer period. “It seems we can expect increased rains during the second half of January 2014 and February 2014. Temperatures usually soar in late summer when grains such as maize have the highest moisture requirements.”
Wesselsbron grain producer, Ben Otto received 20mm during the weekend. “These rains are a good indication. I can’t start preparing the lands, but I am certain we will get good rains this season. Our optimum planting period expires around Christmas and it will be a Godsend if planting is done by then,” said Otto.
Herman Meiring of Bultfontein said showers of 30mm were reported in the district. Although it was not enough to start planting, the veld and grazing would benefit from the rain.
North West RPO chairperson, Flip le Roux said the Gemsbokvlakte area in the Vryburg district, where he farms, had only received about 6mm. “It looks like the desert here. Our grazing has been annihilated by the past two years’ drought. We’ve got no reserves left. I hope and pray that we also get good rains soon. About 20mm has been reported in the Piet Plessis district.”
