A maize farmer in Bloemfontein has raised concerns that recent early rains could signal a mid-summer drought, potentially harming maize crops. Laurens Schlebusch noted that while the rains benefit livestock grazing, they are not ideal for planting maize at this time.
In Bloemfontein, Free State province, maize farmer Laurens Schlebusch expressed apprehension over unexpected early rains that began recently. He fears these rains may foreshadow a mid-summer drought in February, which could severely impact maize growth. The optimal planting time for maize, according to traditional knowledge, is around December 16, making current conditions suboptimal.
Schlebusch highlighted that the province has seen heavy rains in its eastern parts, providing some benefits. He is pleased with the moisture for planting crops to support livestock grazing. However, for maize specifically, the timing raises alarms. "Unfortunately, not the optimal time to plant maize. Our optimal time is around 16 December, old people said that. So, we are concerned if we plant at the moment, if we plant let’s say next week, we are concerned that we might have a mid-summer drought in February. I think that’s our biggest concern at this stage. It looks like La Niña will flatten out in January," Schlebusch explained.
This concern comes amid broader weather patterns, including warnings from the South African Weather Service about severe thunderstorms in the Free State and other regions. Schlebusch's perspective underscores the challenges farmers face in adapting to variable rainfall, balancing immediate grazing needs with long-term crop viability in a region prone to drought risks.