Grain SA will convene its annual Congress on 11 and 12 March 2026 at NAMPO Park, Bothaville. Bringing together delegates from across the country, the event will address the pivotal theme: “Opening the Gap: Sustainability Key; Profitability Foremost”. As the highest authority of the organization, this annual general meeting will serve as the essential platform for policy-making, financial oversight, and leadership elections.
Governance and Leadership
True to its constitutional mandate, the Congress will conduct several critical governance tasks. Chairperson Richard Krige is scheduled to deliver the Board’s report, providing a comprehensive overview of the organization’s strategic direction. Delegates will also review and approve the financial statements for Grain SA and the consolidated group for the year ended 30 September 2025.
The democratic process will remain central to the proceedings, with the Congress facilitating the election of Board members for uneven-numbered regions. Furthermore, Minister John Steenhuisen (Minister of Agriculture) is scheduled to participate in the event to recognize the Grain Producer of the Year 2025.
Driving Efficiency: The DIFM Project
A major highlight of the scheduled discussions will be the Data-Intensive Farm Management (DIFM) project, which will offer a practical look at the future of the sector.
- The Meaning: DIFM is a precision-agriculture initiative designed to move away from “one-size-fits-all” farming by using site-specific data to find the economic optimum for inputs.
- The Explanation: Using GPS-guided equipment, farmers run “checkerboard” trials on their own land, applying different rates of seed and fertilizer. At harvest, the data is analyzed to show exactly which application rates maximize profit—not just yield—under specific soil and climate conditions.
A Vision for Sustainable Profitability
The 2026 theme will highlight the delicate balance required in modern agriculture. Keynote speaker Kevin Kalb, a renowned fifth-generation farmer from Indiana, will emphasize that while sustainability is the industry’s “key,” long-term viability remains impossible without “foremost” profitability. This sentiment will be explored further during a high-level panel discussion featuring agronomists and industry leaders, including Jaco Minnaar and Prof Pieter Swanepoel, who will examine regulatory requirements and innovative projects designed to help producers bridge operational gaps.
Focused Commodity Breakaways
On the second day, the Congress will shift focus to specific agricultural sectors through intensive breakaway sessions. These working groups will allow delegates to discuss technical and market-specific issues in dedicated venues, including:
- Maize: Fanie Ferreira Hall
- Soybeans: SAMPI Annex
- Winter Cereals (Barley/Canola): Syngenta venue
- Groundnuts: Auditorium
- Sunflower and Sorghum: Media Centre
These sessions will culminate in a joint discussion regarding the Grain SA commodity levy and membership report, which will establish the financial framework for the new term.
Celebrating Excellence
Beyond policy and finance, the Congress will serve as a stage to celebrate excellence within the grain industry. Significant awards to be presented include the New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year 2025 and the prestigious Grain Producer of the Year. These accolades underscore Grain SA’s commitment to fostering a diverse, competitive, and thriving grain sector.
As the Congress is set to conclude at 13:00 on 12 March, the organization will look to reaffirm its strategic intent to protect the interests of its regional delegates and the broader grain-producing community, ensuring they remain sustainable and, most importantly, profitable.