The search for the Western Cape’s best young producer is on. Entries for the 2023 Agri Western Cape Santam Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year competition are open and big prizes are up for grabs.
According to Ian Cunningham, a deciduous fruit and wine grape farmer, the competition is a must for all producers under the age of 40.
“The competition serves as a good benchmark to measure your work and farming,” said Cunningham, last year’s winner.
“Seeing your daily input in writing provides a good perspective of the work already done. The farmworkers also enjoyed the competition immensely and meant a lot to our community.”
Why you should enter
Chairperson of Agri Western Cape’s Young Farmer Committee, PF Theron, said the competition serves as an excellent learning curve because the panel of experts provides valuable feedback which producers can implement on their farms.
Theron believes it is also an opportunity for producers to market their farms and businesses.
What are the requirements?
The candidate must be 40 or younger on the day the entries close. The closing date is 28 April 2023. The candidate must also have been a paid-up member of an agricultural association for at least one year on the closing date.
The main criteria for adjudication relate to the management philosophy of the farmer, as well as the technical skill with which that philosophy is applied in practice.
Although the commodity composition and extent of the candidate’s farming activities are taken into account, the degree to which the farmer’s management philosophy is applied in practice carries more weight. A candidate with a single branch who performs exceptionally well therefore also stands an excellent chance of winning the competition.
This year’s prizes include the following:
- R20 000 cash.
- Plane tickets for two with Lift Airlines.
- A getaway weekend for two at Gondwana Private Game Reserve.
- A marketing video by Lucentlands.
- La Motte wine.
The winner will represent the Western Cape at the national Toyota SA Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year competition.
Entry forms and adjudication criteria are available on Agri Western Cape’s website and from local agricultural associations. Or you can contact Agri Western Cape at 021 860 3801.
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