The Benefits Of Farmers' Days And Agri Shows
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017

Agricultural events such as shows and farmers’ days provide a wealth of information for farmers in particular and the public in general.

Dawie Maree
The Benefits Of Farmers' Days And Agri Shows

Several excellent agricultural shows and a large number of farmers’ days are held around South Africa every year. Some of the shows include the recently concluded Nampo in Bothaville, arguably the largest agricultural show in the southern hemisphere, and the Royal Agricultural Show in Pietermaritzburg, the oldest agricultural show in the country, dating back to 1851.

When looking at farmers’ days, one must distinguish between those hosted by a single company trying to convince farmers that its specific products are the best, and the more informative ones hosted in collaboration with several partners.

One example is the FNB/Voermol/BKB Sheep Farmer of the Year farmers’ day, where I had the privilege of presenting an address recently. Hosted by the 2016 winner, Julian Southey, on Manor Holme near Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, it was attended by more than 180 farmers, some from as far afield as Vrede, more than 700km away.

The Sheep Farmer of the Year competition has three broad objectives: to recognise the important role that livestock farmers play in the sector, to gather information about the industry (on-farm information, not just guesstimates), and most importantly, to disseminate information on best practice to farmers.

SMALLER SHOWS DISAPPEARING

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 26 May 2017 من Farmer's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 26 May 2017 من Farmer's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من FARMER'S WEEKLY مشاهدة الكل
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Farmer's Weekly

New farmers' seedling pitfalls

Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead

time-read
2 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024
South African avocado production: a success story
Farmer's Weekly

South African avocado production: a success story

Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.

time-read
6 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Farmer's Weekly

Unlocking value through livestock exports

Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.

time-read
7 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
Farmer's Weekly

An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment

For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.

time-read
5 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Farmer's Weekly

Empowering dreams, transforming lives

Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.

time-read
7 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
Farmer's Weekly

Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal

South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities

time-read
5 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
Farmer's Weekly

The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture

While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation

time-read
3 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Farmer's Weekly

Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling

Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.

time-read
2 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024
Tips for better olive production
Farmer's Weekly

Tips for better olive production

At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.

time-read
3 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
Farmer's Weekly

More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah

On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.

time-read
1 min  |
Farmer's Weekly 27 December 2024