Roubel Thomas Sets Record in Irrigated Soybean Yields at Riviera Farm

Roubel Thomas manages grain production at Riviera, one of Sitrusrand’s farms near Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape. While Sitrusrand is best known for citrus in the Sundays River Valley, its grain operations are thriving. Thomas participated in the Groei for Goud yield competition for the first time this year and set a new record in the irrigated soybean division, achieving a first-place yield of 7.7 t/ha with the Agricol Don Mario variety DM 53i54 RSP IPRO. The margin between first and second place exceeded 1 t/ha, highlighting the exceptional results of his management practices. Having grown the predecessor DM 5953 RSF for seven years, transitioning to the Intacta technology in DM 53i54 RSP IPRO was seamless and provided additional insect control against a high bollworm burden in the region.

Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a particular fondness for legumes, constantly absorbing new cultivation knowledge. In 2024, he implemented adjustments to his soybean program based on research, including planting a 10 ha trial, testing a new fungicide, and changing input mixtures. The trial results exceeded expectations, leading him to apply the adjustments across all soybean hectares in 2025. This season, he planted 30 ha of DM 53i54 RSP IPRO alongside 45 ha of other varieties, following his principle of testing new products on a small scale before full-scale adoption. Thomas applies the same approach across all crops, including maize, canola, and wheat, ensuring optimal results under local conditions.

Planting techniques are central to Thomas’s success. He uses a John Deere FX 16-row planter equipped with Cerealis Precision Planting technology, which improves seed placement and allows him to reduce plant populations from 320 000 to 230 000 plants/ha while still targeting 220 000 effective plants/ha. Soybeans are planted in 76 cm rows, and planter speed is strictly controlled at 5 km/h to ensure uniform planting and optimal establishment. Thomas also emphasizes the value of independent trial data from multiple seed companies to assess how cultivars perform under varying management practices, climate conditions, and regional environments.

He complements trial data with information from company days, international congresses, and published research. For example, attending the 2023 Elim soybean and corn congress provided insights from global experts that Thomas could adapt to local conditions. When selecting new soybean varieties, he evaluates yield potential, adaptability, growth height, and disease tolerance. This systematic approach ensures that each cultivar achieves its maximum potential within the farm’s specific environment.

At harvest, Thomas uses a John Deere X9 with a 45-foot header, preferring to operate the machine himself. This hands-on approach allows him to observe field variation, soil differences, and yield distribution, helping him plan for the next season. He prioritizes soil and plant health, believing that strong, nutrient-rich soil naturally leads to higher yields. By combining innovative technology, research-driven management, and a focus on soil fertility, Thomas has positioned Riviera farm as a leader in soybean production while continuing to advance Sitrusrand’s grain program in the Eastern Cape.