During the December school break, the Founder of Patmos Cottage School visited the school maize farm.  He reported that from the 4 acres of land that was rented in 2024 a total of 82 x 90Kg sacks of maize and 2 x 90 Kg sacks of beans were harvested in 2024.  A different variety of beans were planted in 2024 but unfortunately due to unpredictable weather (unreliable and erratic rainfall patterns), pests, diseases and poor soil quality, this variety did not yield a good harvest.

The beans are normally intercropped with the maize and two crops of beans are planted, but last year due to poor weather conditions only one crop of beans could be planted later in the year.  This also resulted in a much reduced harvest of beans.

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Land rental prices escalated last year as the demand for rental land has increased.  Therefore, Richard has prudently negotiated with the land owner to allow him to continue renting the 4 acres of land for a consecutive period of three years.  Some of the sacks of maize harvested will be sold to fund the land rental costs, equipment hire and fertiliser for the maize farm.  The remainder of the maize will be sold to purchase food items such as fruit, eggs and some meat to enrich and fortify the meals provided at Patmos Cottage School so as to ensure a balanced, healthy diet.  The 2 sacks of beans will be sold and the funds raised used to buy the common variety of beans which will then be planted this year interspersed with the maize. 

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The Patmos Cottage School Feeding Program aims to provide a breakfast of porridge and a daily meal for all the children.  

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​​​​To Read more about the school maize farm

click here

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To read about the maize harvest in 2024 click here

To read about the maize harvest in 2023 click here

To read about the maize harvest in 2022 click here

To read about the maize harvest in 2021 click here

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