In Groblersdal, Mpumalanga, South Africa, where water is scarce and the sun is relentless, one farmer is showing that smart irrigation isn’t just about technology, it’s about survival, sustainability, and long-term profitability.
- 12% increase in potato yields using smaller, precision-managed pivots with Komet low-pressure sprinklers
- 60% reduction in grid energy use thanks to solar-powered irrigation—cutting both costs and carbon emissions
- Smarter water use through uniform droplet sizes and reduced evaporation, helping meet South Africa’s water rights and sustainability demands
A Farmer Who Farms Smarter
For Hannes Schutte, farming isn’t just a profession, it’s a way of life. On his mixed farm in Groblersdal, he grows potatoes, seed maize, wheat, small white beans, and forage crops. Although relatively new to potatoes, he is already proving that precision and persistence can transform high-risk crops into high-reward opportunities.
“Potatoes are high risk, high reward,” says Hannes. “But if you become a specialist—learn the variety, study the land, and fine-tune your irrigation—they pay you back, and then some.”
Smaller Pivots, Bigger Impact
Instead of relying on large pivots, Hannes invested in smaller, more agile systems, typically no more than 22 hectares each. The strategy has given him more control, faster response times, and the flexibility to adapt to unpredictable weather and soil conditions. “Big pivots look efficient, but when one breaks down, the whole schedule falls behind. With smaller pivots, I can stay on track and tailor water to the land’s needs,” he explains.
During Mpumalanga’s intense heatwaves, the smaller pivots allow him to irrigate more frequently, apply water where it’s most needed, and react quickly to crop stress, a strategy that has delivered an average 12% yield increase in potatoes.
Komet: Engineering for Efficiency
A turning point for Hannes came when he switched to Komet’s low-pressure sprinklers, introduced through his local dealership, Loskop Valley Besproeiing, and supported by Komet’s South African lead, Cobus Myburgh. “I had pressure issues on one farm,” Hannes recalls. “Komet’s nozzles were perfect. The droplets were more uniform, there was no misting, and the coverage was just better.” Because they operate at lower pressure, the sprinklers reduce both energy and water use, without compromising performance.
“Komet’s sprinklers deliver a consistent droplet size, even coverage, and less evaporation,” he adds. “That means more water gets to the plant, not lost in the air.” Cobus agrees: “Hannes is a standout example of how South African farmers can innovate with the right tools. He’s data-driven, proactive, and focused on doing more with less, that’s exactly where farming needs to go.”
Solar Power: Cutting Costs and Carbon
Sustainability is more than a buzzword on Hannes’ farm, it’s good business. Five years ago, he invested in a solar-powered irrigation system that now supplies 60% of his energy needs. “The more I use my solar, the cheaper it gets,” he says. “It lets me irrigate during the day and at night without breaking the bank. That flexibility matters, especially during flowering and the last few weeks before harvest.”
With financing options available, Hannes notes that many farmers see payback in less than three years, provided they maintain and optimize their systems.
Smarter Farming for a Smarter Future
Asked what advice he would give fellow farmers, Hannes doesn’t hesitate: “Become a specialist. Pick your crop, learn it inside out, and invest in tools that help you do it better, not just cheaper. Komet’s products pay for themselves in yield and peace of mind.”
He also values the partnership behind the products: “I trust Komet and my dealer. They’re invested in my success. If something breaks, they fix it. If they don’t know something, they find out. They’re part of the team.”
Looking ahead, Hannes plans to expand his solar capacity, refine his pivot strategy, and continue finding ways to stretch every drop of water further. “There’ll always be challenges,” he says with a smile. “But if you accept that, every day can be a good day on the farm.”
At Komet, we believe farmers like Hannes are proving what’s possible: higher yields, lower costs, and a more sustainable future, powered by innovation, partnership, and precision.