This week’s agricultural events include a Sacau conference on agroecology, a water roadshow in Cape Town, a livestock auction in Upington, and Agri Skills Transfer’s chicken farming and plant production training. To include your event on the Food For Mzansi calendar, please email info@foodformzansi.co.za.
Greetings farmers
Whether you are interested in learning more about climate-smart agriculture or how to become more energy and water-efficient, there is always something to grow your skills and your network in the agriculture sector.
The week kicks off with the South African Confederation of Agricultural Unions Conference, and if you want to start your own poultry business or expand your operation, save the date for a chicken farming training session in September.
The Western Cape provincial government continues its water roadshow in Cape Town. Looking to add to your herd? Make a note of a livestock auction in the Northern Cape, and crop farmers can attend plant production training.
Monday 25 August
Sacau Conference
Sacau will host a conference under the theme “Towards the agroecology that farmers in Southern Africa want”. While there is broad consensus on the need for climate-sensitive agriculture, debates remain over whether agroecology can guarantee national food security in the short-to-medium term, and whether it will offer attractive entrepreneurial opportunities for the young generation, especially given the ageing demographic in farming communities.
Sacau seeks to change this by ensuring that farmers define and articulate their own vision for agroecology, one that is vibrant, thriving, scalable, rapidly adoptable, equitable, and fair.
When: 27 – 28 August
Where: Radisson Hotel, OR Tambo International Airport
For more information, click here.
Tuesday 26 August
Water Roadshow
The Western Cape department of environmental affairs and development planning seeks to create awareness for businesses in the Western Cape to understand the options available to them to become more energy and water-resilient.
As part of the awareness roadshow, open day, in-person, free help desks will be set up in the respective districts of the Western Cape with energy and water sector desk specialists.
Where: City Centre, City of Cape Town
When: 17 September
RSVP for the Green Economy Business Ecosystem Support Roadshow here.
Wednesday 27 August
Chicken Farming Training
Why poultry farming? Because chickens don’t just cross the road. They bring you income, food security, and future-proof farming skills. No fluff, just real skills, real results.
Join Agri Skills Transfer’s poultry short course and learn how to raise, manage, and profit from your own flock like a pro.
When: 27 – 28 August
For more information, contact 012 460 9585 or admin@agriskills.net.
Thursday 28 August
Livestock Auction
A livestock auction will take place on 12 September in Upington. Different types of livestock will be on sale; farmers are encouraged to come and explore.
For more information, contact Jan Hendrik Gouws at 082 875 2600.
Friday 29 August
Plant Production Training
Agri Skills Transfer blends the classroom with the field to prepare students for the future of agriculture. Whether you’re a school-leaver, a full-time farmer, or just starting your journey, the organisation partnered with Wagpos Hoërskool in Brits. The Agri Skills Transfer team had the privilege of presenting a hands-on plant production practical day at Wagpos Hoërskool.
The next training is as follows:
When: 30 August
Time: 09:00 – 12:00
For more information, contact 012 460 9585 or admin@agriskills.net.
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