Grain SA’s 2023 Nampo Harvest Day is approaching, and there’s even more to anticipate this year. Food For Mzansi will host two tents at the event from Tuesday, 16 to Friday, 19 May, offering school groups a glimpse into the world of study and career opportunities in the agriculture sector.
At gate 3, the Food For Mzansi tent will be brimming with exciting activities and talks by dynamic professionals. Learners can explore their dream career in agriculture, with 15-minute talks on various topics scheduled every hour. Experts in the field will share insights on plant production, animal production, and more.
Starting on Tuesday, the programme will kick off at 09:00 every morning until Friday, featuring Peritum Agri Institute in Bloemfontein. Peritum will showcase its educational offerings, including national diploma programmes in plant and animal production.
Come learn and discover
Learners can also look forward to Agri Skills Transfer from Tuesday to Friday at 11:00 daily. This Pretoria-based institution is renowned for its diverse range of study options, catering to both long-term and short-term educational needs. Courses such as basic beef cattle, goat, pig, and plant production will be available for learners to choose from.
On Tuesday at 13:00, the University of the Free State will share their top tips, starting with plant scientist Dr Adre Minnaar-Ontong. At 14:00, learners will have the opportunity to meet plant pathologist Dr Chrisna Steyn. Lastly, on Friday, 19 May at 13:00, don’t miss plant breeder Professor Rouxlene van der Merwe.
Tebogo Mokgoadi, representing Kagiso Trust, will take the stage on Monday at 12:00 to showcase the remarkable work done by the organizstion in supporting farmers on their journey to commercialisation. As part of the line-up at the event, he will highlight the pivotal role Kagiso Trust plays in advancing education in South Africa.
Throughout the week, learners will have the chance to meet the team from Limagrain Zaad South Africa at various times. In partnership with the South African National Seed Organisation (Sansor), they will provide knowledge about the crucial role of seeds in agriculture. Limagrain Africa chief executive Fredric Savin, as well as Limagrain Zaad South Africa colleagues Jacques Breytenbach, Braam van den Berg and Sibu Mdluli will be sharing their insights.
Explore the world of agriculture
The world of banking presents a wealth of study and career opportunities within the agriculture sector. Recognising this potential, Standard Bank is taking an important step in fostering knowledge and awareness by introducing learners to Shireen Moodley, a senior agribusiness analyst, during a session on Friday at 12:00. With extensive expertise in the agricultural industry, she will provide invaluable insights into the intersection of finance and agriculture, highlighting the diverse range of career paths available in this dynamic field.
In addition, learners can explore the exciting field of agricultural engineering and meet top professionals such as Stefaans Erasmus, James Mabadi, Louis Lagrange, Sandile Dladla, Zikhona Buyeye, and Ronald Chihwehwete. Discover how they integrate technology with farming in their sought-after careers.
Furthermore, learners can participate in the daily Bayer Innovation Challenge, where they have the chance to win significant prizes by brainstorming solutions for agriculture’s biggest problems. Are you up for the challenge? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a real difference.
Food For Mzansi’s second tent at gate 2 is equally unmissable. Learners can explore an engaging exhibition that will guide them through the opportunities available if they choose a future in the sector.
To access both tents, school groups simply need to enter through gates 2 or 3. From there, they’ll be directed to the nearest Food For Mzansi tent, where they’ll receive a goodie bag filled with various items before exploring Nampo Park and enjoying the agricultural exhibition.
Grain SA’s Nampo Harvest Day is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, and this year’s event promises to be even better. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to discover your dream career in agriculture!
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