South African farmers are facing multiple challenges as they prepare for the upcoming summer season, including:
- A predicted super El Niño, which could result in below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures;
- Rising input costs, with fuel and fertiliser prices continuing to increase;
- Uncertainty around the availability of fertiliser; and
- Pressure on profit margins due to lower commodity prices, driven by weaker global commodity prices and high carryover stocks.
These challenges are not unique to farmers, but they affect the entire agricultural industry.
At Limagrain Field Seeds, we pride ourselves on walking this road alongside our farmers. When our farmers succeed, we succeed, and when they face pressure, we feel it too. That is why Limagrain Field Seeds has decided to implement an average reduction in seed prices compared to last season, reaffirming our commitment to the long-term sustainability of South African farmers.
How can we meet these challenges?
We believe it starts with selecting the right cultivars, supported by sound agronomic practices. Some practical decisions that can make a difference include:
- Choosing cultivars that are adapted to drier conditions. Cultivars differ in their ability to convert available water into grain.
- Reducing planting populations to reduce competition between plants and maximise each plant’s ability to produce a well-filled ear.
- Conserving soil moisture by retaining crop residue, minimising soil disturbance and maintaining effective weed control.
- Adjusting fertiliser application rates. In a dry season, high yields are less likely, so fertiliser applications should be aligned with more realistic yield expectations.
Genetics that deliver
Limagrain Field Seeds supports farmers with cultivars that are well adapted to drought conditions. Our comprehensive range of white and yellow maize cultivars offers reliable options, adapted to a wide range of environments.
Yellow maize
LG 31.664BR–proven strength in performance for the eastern regions, regularly outperforming all other commercial cultivars.
LG 31.668BR–new medium-growing cultivar with improved yield performance and good disease package.
LG 31.752BR,–medium-long growing cultivar, proven under drier conditions and strongly recommended for the next season.
White maize
LG 31.747BR and LG 31.753BR–exceptional prolificacy, remaining stalwarts in the western regions.
LG 31.755BR–long-growing cultivar, performing well under drier conditions, responding well to late rainfall to add to its yield. It has excellent grain quality and the highest number of ears per plant.
LG 31.777BR–proven on water table soils in the western regions. Its excellent prolificacy and adaptability to changing conditions enable it to take full advantage of improved conditions.
With our continued commitment to South African agriculture and its farmers, we face these challenges together. We remain committed to finding practical solutions alongside our farmers to improve profitability, contribute to food security and help ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our beautiful country.
Building the next season, one decision at a time
At Limagrain Field Seeds, we’ve always believed farming is a long-term partnership. We celebrate the good seasons with our farmers, and we stand alongside them through the difficult ones too. Our aim is to build lasting partnerships by supplying next-level seed and service every season. 
