It’s another busy Friday in the world of agriculture! On our radar today is the first of Agri-Expo’s SIYABONGA information days, we meet a research scientist who breeds and delivers new and improved maize hybrids, and you can tune in to the latest Farmer/s Inside Track podcast.
1. SIYABONGA Day
It’s not too late to attend the first SIYABONGA Day presented by Agri-Expo in partnership with the Western Cape department of agriculture. The three-hour, jam-packed session will get you FREE advice on the optimal management of livestock from top experts at the comfort of your own home.
Today’s programme will focus on the management and nutritional principles to overcome drought as well as partnership opportunities in the Karoo. Dr Louis du Pisani, an expert on drought conditions, will lead the discussion on management, after which Hans Greeff, a lecturer at Grootfontein Agricultural College, will talk about the correct nutrition in these times. Konsortium Merino and the Mohair Empowerment Trust will discuss collaboration opportunities.
If it sounds like something that interest you and you want to attend, simply click here at 10:00 today:
2. Farmer’s Inside Track podcast
In this week’s episode of the Farmers Inside Track podcast no stone goes unturned as we delve into tips and tricks for running a thriving nursery and discover the magic of garlic.
We meet yet another industry powerhouse, Rhensia Manuel of GrowBox, a nursery in the centre of Hanover Park in the Cape Flats. MC Loock, senior manager of agribusiness at Standard Bank, joins us to chat about diversification as a risk management strategy.
In another lip-smacking insert of the Mzansi Flavour podcast segment, we hear from Dané Vermeulen, foodie and YehBaby Digital’s systems leader, who shares her secret for the perfect South African home-cooked meal.
3. Meet a research scientist
If you are a high school learner who loves maths and physical science, but you don’t know which career path to follow, here’s an idea! Eve Dunlop, a scientist doing plant-breeding research and development for Corteva Agriscience, a global agricultural company, is a great example to follow.
Dunlop’s job entails breeding and delivering new and improved maize hybrids for East Africa. She does not just breed for improved yield, but also for improvements against pests and diseases, environmental adaptation, agronomic and quality traits.
To work as a scientist, you need to have a Master’s degree in science or agriculture at the very least and often a PhD. If that sounds like something you are interested in, keep an eye on Food For Mzansi for the AgriSETA Learner Connect profile and podcast episode that will be shared later today.
Do you have an upcoming event that should be on Food For Mzansi’s watchlist? Drop us an email to diary@foodformzansi.co.za and we’ll do our best to include it in this weekday feature.
