Optimum management strategies (crop rotation systems, crop areas, irrigation intensities and moveable capital replacement) for typical one, two and three plot farmers at Vaalharts were determined under different intensities and incidences of water limitations as well as with increased water quotas and peak canal deliverances. Special consideration was given to changes needed in management strategy as well as the ability of the different typical farmers to survive financially as availability of water changes. The study utilised, inter alia, dynamic linear programming, water production functions and loss functions. The results indicate significant changes in optimum management strategies as water limitations, water quotas and peak canal deliverance change. The ability to replace moveable capital differs considerably among the different typical farm units.