Farming where the mountains are high

Sporadic cold fronts from the south bring winter snow to many mountain ranges in the southern and easterly central parts of South Africa. Valley farmers benefit from the slow water release of melting mountain snow via the rivers for much longer than from the rain falling directly on their land.

Some crops require the coldness of winter for a good yield in summer. Cold winds over snowy slopes may decrease ambient temperature, while snow itself can act as an insulating layer against extreme cold for the plants covered.

Livestock producers take extra precautions during cold spells. Drinking water may have to be thawed and animals may require feed and shelter.

The Swartberg Mountains north of De Rust never need embellishment to impress. They wear winter icing like a cloak in statuesque style, in spite of whiteness contradicting the black mountains meaning of their name.