Farmers warned to remain alert and cautious of theft during harvest time

Maize theft has recently increased in the Free State and farmers are warned to take extra precautions especially during harvest time, so that they do not become victims of this. This is according to Dr Jane Buys, Safety and Risk Analyst at Free State Agriculture (FSA). These precautions also applies to other crops being harvested.

According to her, farmers must ensure that harvested maize is not unnecessarily stored overnight or for example left in trucks on fields as it is often stolen.

She also advises them to weigh their loads and make sure the right load is deposited at the silo. It is also important to check the work of transport contractors and their drivers to ensure that farmers don’t suffer losses.

“The theft of green maize has already been reported in several parts of the province,” says Buys. “It was reported in towns like Allanridge, Bethlehem, Bothaville, Bultfontein, ClocoIan, Hobhouse, Ficksburg, Odendaalsrus, Virginia, Fouriesburg and Warden.”

According to her, the theft of for example loads of maize or other crops causes farmers to suffer losses of thousands of rands. In addition, they also make use of security guards to guard their lands and take other safety measures, which costs extra.

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