AIthough the role that women play in agriculture (and in the world as a whole) remains entirely underestimated, the Champagne and Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) industry might not be the global powerhouse it is today without Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin. Born in Reims, France, in 1977, Ponsardin become known as the Widow Clicquot at 27 when she continued her late husband's business.
Not only is she credited with changing the industry by solving one of its greatest problems - how to successfully remove the yeasty sedimentation from the bottle after fermentation - but also for the remuage or riddling system that began in her kitchen when she made a series of riddled holes in her timber kitchen table. She placed wine bottles neck-down in the holes and periodically turned them until the sediment collected in the neck.
"After chilling and removing the cap, the pressure in the bottle, greater than in the tyres of your car, pops out the dead yeast cells called lees in the disgorging process, leaving only a clear liquid in the bottle," says Melissa Genevieve Nelsen, founder of Genevieve MCC (Méthode Cap Classique), produced on Klein Botrivier Farm, while speaking to Farmer's Weekly about inspirational women in her life. She talks about her mother's response when young Nelsen was asked what she wanted to do with her life and proffered "being an air hostess" as a possibility. Her mother said: "If you want to fly, why not be the pilot?"
Nelsen, who later qualified as a pilot, says: "I learnt the importance of precision from being a pilot and how to calculate the fine line between stupidity and bravery.I'm also not apprehensive about what is unknown, which has been beneficial."
FAMILY INSPIRATION
This story is from the August 09, 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 09, 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
