At Futurepump, we work with thousands of farmers around the world. And we’ve seen that being prepared for the growing season means quite different things to our customers depending on where they are.
But one thing is the same no matter where they are – being prepared and planning ahead is key to success.
So let’s have a look at how preparation is approached in different regions and help 2024 be the year we all spring into sustainable farming.
Being ready for growing seasons
As we write this, farmers in northern temperate regions are in full swing of putting plans into action for the start of the main growing season. This means crops are planned out, seeds are purchased, soils are ready and the first shoots are already springing into life.
These preparation principles are the same everywhere, the differences come into play with when to get planning, what crops to grow, current conditions and what resources are available, among many other local factors.
So how do growing seasons look around the world?
Waiting for the rains
Regions close to the equator typically grow in cycles with the rainy/wet season(s) with dry seasons breaking them up. Rain allows for natural (and free) irrigation of crops that make these the most productive times of the year in these regions.
1. Let’s start with more Southern African regions:
– Rainy season: November to March
– Dry season: April to October
For southern African countries, we suggest that farmers consider purchasing agricultural products in April or May. This will allow them to familiarise themselves with the product and use it during the rainy season.
2. Moving up to Central and Northern African Regions:
– Rainy season: May to October
– Dry season: November to April
In northern African countries, the rainy season occurs from May to October. As a result, most crops are cultivated in December. Therefore, we recommend January as the ideal month for farmers to purchase agricultural products.
Seasonal cycles
Moving further away from the equator, both North and South, growing seasons revolve more around four set seasons Spring – Summer – Autumn/Fall – Winter. It is usually best to use the quieter months for planning and getting ready to get the most out of the more productive seasons.
3. Up to Europe
Main growing seasons: Spring to Summer
This region covers the warmer Mediterranean climates to more northern, colder Europe.
Generally, the main growing seasons start gearing up in spring (from March) into late summer (September). With the remaining months being less productive.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, bring warmer air over Western Europe, the winters are not as extreme as N. America outside of the mountains.
4. Across the pond to North America
Main growing seasons: Spring to Summer
This region covers similar latitudes to the European regions discussed above. So the main growing seasons fall within the yearly four seasons structure too, with growing running from spring (from March) into late summer (September).
There are more extreme differences across this region with very cold winters in the North. As well as some distinct growing regions across the United States of America.
Predictability and planning
Whilst we are discussing expected growing seasons, climate change is impacting us all, meaning seasons that used to run like clockwork are no longer reliable. This can cause quite a headache for farmers when the expected rains do not arrive or too much rain is washing away crops. Leaving poor yields and wasted time and effort.
The UK has experienced an incredibly wet winter this year, and we’ve been seeing local farmers having to find inventive ways to deal with excess water. Records are also being smashed in the UK and around the world for one of the warmest Februarys on record.
This makes being prepared even more important, so you can be more adaptable for when things don’t go quite as expected. Make the most of unprecedented rainfall by having ways to store and collect it to use when it is drier. And have ways to take more control on your farm – like planned and set out irrigation.
Solar powered irrigation with Futurepump
Let’s discuss how Futurepump range of product can assist farmers with planning and having more control on their farms.
Futurepump offers solar pumps, including three types:
1. SF2: This larger pump is suitable for use on 2 acres of land
2. SF2H: This is a higher head version of the SF2, suitable for use with up to 1 acre of land
3. SE1: This smaller pump is suitable for use on 1 acre of land
All the pumps can draw water from a depth of 7m. The SF2 and SE1 have a total head capacity of up to 15m, whereas the SF2H has a total head of 45m.
For further information about the range online or get in contact with us if you have any questions.
You can find our products available for purchase through two channels: Use our interactive map to locate the nearest distributor by entering your address or visit our online shop to buy direct.
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