Farming is a 24 hour job, manage your time well. As an emerging farmer, time management is about expecting the best, planning for the worst, and preparing to be surprised.

Yes, surprised. Seasons change. The weather is unpredictable. The political landscape changes. The market is volatile. Operating costs can fluctuate and regulations are forever amended. What about drought or other natural disasters?

A farmer must always budget time well in order to achieve goals and get the best out of every farming activity. Prioritising is a must. Developing a list of activities to be done around the farm based on their importance and urgency is highly helpful.

While multi-tasking is an everyday reality in farming; to work faster and to achieve better results, you will need to focus on completing one task at a time.

Considering that farming is demanding, as a farmer, you must give yourself permission to “be off” at times in order to restore your focus and energy.

Spend time with family and friends. It is important to take a break from your busy farm life schedule, after all, every hard working farmer deserves to rest.

Manage your time well, so that you can lead a stress free life! All the best!

– Mokgokong Mokgethi