Fields of Opportunity: Farmers Connect, Learn, and See Resilience at SeedCo Vegetable Field Day

By Rawlings Kofi

The air at the SeedCo Vegetables demonstration fields was buzzing on May 8, 2025. It wasn't just another sunny day; it was a vibrant gathering of farmers, agronomists, and industry partners, all united by the shared goal of cultivating success – even in challenging times. The occasion? The much-anticipated SeedCo Vegetable Field Day, an event designed to take learning out of the classroom and into the soil.

For farmers attending, this was a hands-on opportunity to walk the fields, not just observe, but truly experience SeedCo's diverse vegetable varieties in action. Rows upon rows of thriving plants showcased different cultivars, each labelled and standing as living proof of genetic potential. This wasn't about glossy brochures; it was about seeing how varieties performed under real-world conditions.

The true heart of the day lay in the interactions. Farmers weren't just passive observers; they were active participants. They walked alongside SeedCo agronomists, pointing, questioning, and sharing their own experiences. This direct line of communication allowed farmers to get tailored answers to their specific challenges, whether related to soil types, pest pressures, or market demands. Agronomic support wasn't just a promised service; it was being delivered right there in the field.

Navigating the Challenges, Showcasing Resilience

The current season has presented its unique set of hurdles. As Mr. Patrick Mtandwa, General Manager of SeedCo Vegetables, highlighted in his welcoming remarks, "Over the past few months, we’ve experienced an unusual season. The persistent and excessive rains have brought with them a new layer of challenges, and with that, an emerging wave of diseases."

Mr. Mtandwa pointed out the specific culprits causing headaches for farmers: "We are seeing topical diseases like Black Rot in cauliflower, Purple Blotch in onions, and Late Blight in tomatoes taking a toll on productivity. In carrots, Alternaria has re-emerged as a significant threat."

This made the field day particularly relevant. As Mr. Mtandwa stated, "That’s why today, we’re not only looking at plants in the ground—we are looking at resilience. We are showcasing genetics that are standing up to these challenges and comparing them with those that are being affected." Farmers could visually compare, variety by variety, which plants were showing superior tolerance and vigour against these very real threats. This tangible proof is invaluable when making planting decisions.

SeedCo's commitment extends beyond just the seed. Mr. Mtandwa commended his agronomy team for their dedication, noting that agronomy is "no longer optional—it’s strategic." He emphasized their continuous work "walking the fields with farmers, sharing best practices—from correct planting dates and crop rotation to timely spraying regimes and disease scouting." This hands-on support system is a cornerstone of SeedCo's approach.

Looking to the future, Mr. Mtandwa offered an exciting glimpse, introducing two coded tomato varieties specifically bred for open field production, a testament to SeedCo's ongoing research and development tailored to local conditions. He also acknowledged the crucial support system of partners – from chemical and fertiliser suppliers to nurseries and machinery providers – who were also present, complementing SeedCo's product offering.

Why Field Days Matter: More Than Just a Tour

For those who couldn't attend, or for farmers considering future events, the SeedCo Vegetable Field Day perfectly illustrated the myriad reasons why attending such gatherings is a strategic investment of time:

1. Seeing is Believing: You get to witness varieties performing in real-world conditions, not just in a catalogue. This allows for direct comparison and assessment of traits like disease tolerance, vigour, and yield potential.
2. Direct Access to Expertise: Field days provide unparalleled opportunities to interact directly with the breeders, agronomists, and technical experts behind the seeds. You can ask specific questions about your farm, your soil, and your challenges, receiving tailored advice on the spot.
3. Practical Agronomic Insights: Beyond just seed selection, you learn about best practices for planting, nutrition, pest and disease management relevant to the varieties being showcased and the prevailing conditions.
4. Networking with Peers: Field days bring farmers together, fostering valuable peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities. Sharing experiences and solutions with fellow farmers facing similar challenges is incredibly powerful.
5. Staying Ahead of the Curve: Get introduced to new varieties, upcoming technologies, and innovative approaches before they are widely available.
6. Building Relationships: Connect with your seed suppliers and industry partners on a personal level, strengthening the relationships crucial for long-term business success.

As Mr. Mtandwa concluded, "While the rains may bring disease pressure, they also bring opportunity—opportunity to innovate, to learn, and to grow together." This spirit of collective growth and resilience was palpable throughout the day.

This year holds special significance for SeedCo as they celebrate 85 years under the theme "Keep Growing." The Vegetable Field Day was a fitting embodiment of this motto, providing farmers with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to keep their own businesses growing strong, armed with resilient genetics and expert support. Farmers left the fields not just with answered questions, but with a renewed sense of partnership and a clearer vision for navigating the season ahead.