For Francis and Mike Mandy, a father-and-son farming team from Harrismith in the Free State, intercropping has become the key to growth and resilience. Instead of expanding their land base and taking on more debt, they turned to regenerative agriculture—and the results are paying off for both their maize fields and Bovelder cattle.
Why Intercropping?
Intercropping, or planting different crops on the same field, has been studied globally for more than a century. It improves yields, reduces fertiliser and pesticide needs, and supports biodiversity. Yet it is only in recent decades that farmers have rediscovered its benefits as an alternative to industrial, high-input systems.
For the Mandys, the shift was driven by economics.
“When the bank tells you to plant more hectares to achieve scale, that usually means more debt and equipment,” says Mike. “We wanted a different path. After a lot of research, intercropping made the most financial sense. Our goal is optimum yield per hectare, not just maximum output.”
Building Soil and Biodiversity
The farm now relies on a minimum/no-till system, reducing fertiliser use and relying on cover crops without added inputs. By interseeding maize with cereals, legumes, and brassicas, the Mandys have improved soil health and encouraged beneficial insects and organisms.
Timing is key, Mike explains. “We plant cover crops when the maize is about knee-high. If you plant too early, they can suppress the maize. Getting that balance right has made a big difference.”
The results are visible: maize yields are improving, and crop diversity has reduced costs while improving resilience.
Benefits for Cattle
Intercropping has also boosted the farm’s Bovelder cattle operation, managed by Francis. The family has deep roots in the breed—Francis’s grandfather was one of its pioneers in South Africa.
“Normally by August or September, we’d be short of feed,” Francis says. “Now the cover crops provide high-quality winter forage. We strip-graze the fields, moving cattle daily or every second day. That improves soil fertility through dung and urine while keeping the herd in better condition.”
The shift has raised the farm’s carrying capacity—from one large stock unit (LSU) on 2.7 hectares to one LSU on 2.3 hectares. “We now produce only a fifth of the bales we used to,” Francis adds. “It saves money and supports healthier land.”
Lessons Learned
Since joining the farm in 2015, Mike has been testing ways to adapt. Early mistakes, like planting too late in the season, set them back—but also taught valuable lessons. Now they plant earlier, rotate maize with soya beans, and are trialling sunflowers.
“We’ve been bitten by the regenerative bug,” Mike laughs. “You learn, adjust, and try again. Today, we plant every hectare of the farm twice a year, and we’re already seeing stronger crops and healthier cattle.”
With lower input costs, improved soil, and a more resilient system, the Mandys believe intercropping offers a sustainable way forward for South African grain and livestock farmers.
