Preparation and excellence take centre stage at PSA Congress
ByLindi Botha
2 min read
South Africa’s potato industry gathered in Johannesburg on 22 and 23 July for the Potatoes SA (PSA) Congress, where producers, researchers, and stakeholders discussed key issues affecting the industry. Gala functions held on both evenings recognised outstanding achievements with the annual PSA awards.
The Potatoes SA and Syngenta Potato Farmer of the Year Award went to SW van Zyl of Sandveld Aartappels. From left: André Labuschagne, agronomy and strategy head at Syngenta; Luc Henry, business area head for South Africa at Syngenta; SW van Zyl, his wife Hannelie, daughters Hanri and Anke, and son IW; and Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA. Image: Potatoes SA - ADVERTISEMENT -
Opening the congress, Murray Thompson, PSA chairperson and potato farmer, said successful farming is not about predicting the future, but about preparing for it.
“We have two lists as farmers that we focus on: the things we have no control over, and the things we do. Ironically, the factors that affect us most, such as the weather, markets, and input costs, are the ones we cannot change. What we can control are the technologies we adopt, the people we employ, the quality of seed we buy, and the practical decisions we make every day.”
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Thompson said the farmers who appear to have “luck” on their side are often those who focus on the second list rather than the first, making better decisions instead of worrying about circumstances beyond their control.
From left: the Potato Certification Service (PCS) Legend Award went to John Campbell, director of Ivanhoe Farming Company; the PCS Rising Star Award went to Phophi Simon Raletjane, owner of Raletjena Farming; Rudi Heinlein, managing director of Sirkel N Landgoed, received the Hat Trick Award; and Jakkie Mellet, managing director of Potato Seed Production, received the PCS Maverick Award.
“The most resilient crops are seldom the result of one or two good decisions, but of hundreds of micro decisions made consistently over time.”
He added that farmers should not be viewed as risk-takers, but rather as risk managers.
“We don’t spend our lives taking risks. We spend our lives preparing to manage risks when they arrive.”
The annual awards recognised those whose dedication and sound decision-making have made a lasting contribution to the industry, reinforcing Thompson’s message that long-term success is built through consistent effort.
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