How did your career in agriculture begin?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be involved in farming, and since primary school, I’ve kept livestock. I didn’t want to go to a ‘normal’ academic high school, so I attended the Augsburg Agricultural Gymnasium in Clanwilliam and studied at Grootfontein Agricultural College, graduating in 2007.
After college in 2008, I joined Agri-Expo as project coordinator, and have since been promoted to operations manager.
You are a board member of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC). What does the RASC do?
It’s the voice of agriculture in the Commonwealth. It’s a confederation of more than 50 leading national and regional agricultural show societies, agricultural associations and research bodies working in 20 Commonwealth countries.
It encourages high standards in sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and aims to raise the standard of the rural economy based on increased production. Through its member societies, it creates awareness of agriculture and rural concerns.
The RASC holds a biennial Commonwealth Agriculture Conference to give members and other interested organizations the opportunity to network and explore their interests and mutual problems in agriculture. Together with this, it organizes a biennial Next Generation (NG) mission to a Commonwealth member state.
The RASC works closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat, setting the agenda for agriculture in the Commonwealth.
How does the RASC partner with South Africa to strengthen its agricultural industry?
The 30th Commonwealth Agriculture Conference will be hosted in Cape Town from 13 to 18 November 2022.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 01, 2019-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 01, 2019-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
