Farming in South Africa is changing. With rising input costs, shifting weather patterns, and unpredictable markets, sticking to just one crop isn’t always the safest route. That’s why more farmers — including us — are turning to diversification.

At our farm, sugarcane is our main crop. It’s what we’re known for and where most of our efforts go. But sugarcane is a seasonal crop, which means that for part of the year, our fields would normally lie empty. Instead of letting the soil rest unproductively, we make sure it stays active and healthy — by planting beans in the off-season.

Why Beans?

Beans aren’t just good for harvesting — they’re good for the land. Here’s how:

• Nitrogen fixers 🫘: Beans naturally add nitrogen to the soil, improving fertility without needing as much chemical fertilizer.

• Erosion control 🛡️: Their dense growth helps protect the soil from washing away during heavy rains.

• Pest & disease cycle breakers 🐛: Rotating with beans helps reduce the build-up of pests and diseases that affect sugarcane.

• Food security heroes 🍲: Beans are a major part of the South African diet — high in protein, affordable, and accessible.

By planting beans, we’re not only keeping our land productive year-round, but also contributing to local food supply and better soil health for future seasons.

Looking Ahead

Farming isn’t just about what we grow, it’s about how we grow it. Diversifying with crops like beans allows us to farm smarter, support our communities, and keep our land strong for generations to come.