Floods devastate crops, livestock for Tzaneen farmers
Floods in Tzaneen and Tarentaalrand damaged livestock, crops, and farm infrastructure, leaving farmers to count heavy losses.
TZANEEN – Some Tzaneen farmers are counting the cost after recent floods caused significant damage to livestock, crops, and infrastructure.
Christo Lombard, a farmer in Tarentaalrand, told the Herald that heavy rains destroyed much of his harvest, resulting in lost production and income.
About 22 of his livestock, including goats and sheep, died during the floods. His crops, cabbages, tomatoes, butternut, and peppers were also severely affected by the prolonged wet conditions.
Lombard said he may have to rely on his savings and even consider selling one or two vehicles to recover financially.
“As tough as it is, we are now preparing for the next planting season and hoping for the best,” he said.
Young poultry farmer Camilla Ndlhovu also reported losses. While her livestock survived, damaged infrastructure created serious setbacks.
“The floods affected our roads more than anything.
“We now have severe erosion. Trucks got stuck while transporting our chickens to the slaughterhouse, which affected their weight and ultimately our income,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, Ndlhovu said they remain determined to continue operations.
“The floods set us back, but we are pushing forward and doing our best,” she said.
Deidré Carter of Agri Limpopo told the Herald that while not all farmers were severely affected, the situation highlighted the strength of the agricultural community.
“I’ve seen different farming communities come together to repair roads and assist one another where there was a need,” she said.
