If you attended the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba in 2022 and 2023, get ready for a big surprise. This time around, Food For Mzansi is transforming an inner-city farm to bring you everything from a John Deere showcase to livestock and drone demonstrations.
Dust off those veldskoene, we’re going plaas toe (to the farm)! Best of all, the Lavender Kontrei Market, our host venue in Pretoria North, is conveniently located near airports, taxi and bus ranks, and highways connecting to neighbouring provinces. This ensures that attendees can arrive on time from Thursday, 4 to Saturday, 6 April.
Food For Mzansi co-founder Ivor Price says, “The John Deere showcase, complete with on-farm practical demonstrations and hands-on experiences, is a direct response to the requests of our young farmers over the last two years. This means that attendees will have the opportunity to actually get in the driver’s seat of tractors and other agricultural machinery.
“It’s more than just a showcase; it is a hands-on adventure in farming innovation.”
Additionally, Stephan Gouws, the managing director of John Deere in Africa and the Middle East, will join an A-list panel where senior executives will collaboratively shape the future of farming for the next generation.
In addition to highlighting agricultural machinery, the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba will showcase live livestock demonstrations, featuring a diverse range from Bonsmara cattle, to sheep and Boer goats.
On-farm practical sessions with Afrivet
Dr Didi Claassen, general manager for Afrivet technical and training services, says they look forward to welcoming attendees to a series of on-farm practical sessions scheduled over the course of the three-day event.
Afrivet provides a diverse range of innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective stock remedies and veterinary medicines tailored for African conditions. Claassen says, “[During our sessions,] we [will] get back to the basics of animal handling, diagnostics and treatment.”
Drone demonstrations and budget-friendly lunches
“At this year’s event, we’re bringing the farm experience to a whole new level,” adds Food For Mzansi assistant editor Duncan Masiwa. “Our on-farm sessions won’t just cover traditional aspects; we’re adding drone demonstrations to keep farmers abreast of the latest technologies shaping the industry.
“Responding to farmers’ requests, we’re furthermore introducing the Mzansi Flavour food court, slashing ticket prices so attendees can enjoy a diverse range of lunch options that cater to various budgets. It’s about enriching the learning experience while ensuring everyone can savour the true taste of Mzansi agriculture.”
How to get indaba tickets
Meanwhile, Price highlights a notable increase in ticket demand for the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba. “We anticipate a sold-out event within the next few weeks. Therefore, don’t wait until the last minute. We’re gearing up for 1 300 people over three days, with registrations pouring in from across South Africa and beyond.”
- This year, secure your tickets exclusively online through Quicket or purchase them at Pick n Pay, Pick n Pay Clothing, or Pick n Pay Liquor stores nationwide. Don’t miss the flash sale from Friday, 23 February 2024 to Thursday, 29 February 2024.
READ MORE: Sisters in farming: Limpopo ladies forge cooperative success
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