Ayeye! 200 young farmers shine at North West farmers’ day

Nearly 200 North West producers congregated in Lichtenburg for Food for Mzansi’s first farmers’ day in the province. Hosted by farming duo Ben and Bertha Otukile, the event provided a pivotal platform for agricultural exchange and advancement.

Farmers journeyed from Mahikeng, Schweizer-Reneke and beyond for a day of crucial discussions covering topics such as plant and pest management, animal disease identification, record-keeping, financing, and development opportunities. They were also addressed by Desbo Mohono, the MEC for agriculture and rural development in the North West.

Reaoboka Seritshane, who currently farms pigs, chickens, and vegetables, expressed his gratitude for the knowledge shared at the Food For Mzansi event. He said it encouraged him to put more effort into his enterprise and make it profitable.

“I found the farmers’ day very inspirational, and I’m very motivated to commercialise my enterprise. As a result, I’ve realised that I have been too lazy, so I’m challenging myself to put in more work before I can apply for government funds. I would like to see gatherings of this nature taking place time and again so that we emerging farmers can interact more with advanced farmers and learn more,” Seritshane said.

Unite against climate and hunger challenges

Mohono emphasised the importance for farmers to know how to address hunger in their communities and across the globe with opportunities given daily, such as the farmers’ day event.

“Currently, there are over a billion people in the world who are hungry, and 98% live in developing countries. Lately, we see people dying because of hunger. A farmer must do something to ensure that our people no longer suffer,” she said.

Mohono urged farmers to commit and pull their weight in the fight against poverty. “There are numerous ways we can do this, perhaps through sustaining our household gardening for subsistence farming and consumption.”

The MEC mentioned that issues related to climate change and veld fires were affecting the sector a lot and that this calls for different measures to be taken.

“This province is being ravaged by fire, and this may lead to a lack of food – already there is a shortage. Most farmers do have fire belts, but the danger of these current fires is that they jump.

“Alone, I will not make it; I want to sit with farmers and come up with solutions to these problems. We need to get to the root cause of what’s causing these fires, some are natural, but some are deliberate,” she said.

Mohono acknowledged Food For Mzansi for its role in championing the cause of young farmers, providing opportunities to learn from one another and experts, returning home with a different perspective.

“It is gatherings such as these that bring about change. Young people continue to fight for tenders, but there’s no future in tenders. Farming is a difficult business, but you will definitely see the results of what you are doing.

“You are one; as young people, you have to work together. We want as many black commercial farmers as possible. It cannot be that a black person is given land but can’t convert that land into money. Convert any little land given to you into riches so that our farmers can start enjoying the benefits that come from the government.”

Bringing about change

Host farmer Ben Otukile remarked on the knowledge shared by the experts at the Food For Mzansi event. He advised farmers to appreciate it and start with whatever they currently have to reach their end goals.

“I left engineering for farming because this is where you find peace. Yes, it’s not a quick-cash business, but it gets you closer to nature and life,” Otukile said. “Let us help other people and each other. Let us network and learn from each other.

“Food For Mzansi brought us many things to learn from. I plant almost 600 hectares, and I have been doing this for over a decade, but I learned a lot today. I started with one cow, and today I have over 200.”

Loads of fresh insights and inspiration

The event, presented in collaboration with Youth in Agricultural and Rural Development (YARD), also saw the attendance of Ipeleng Kwadi Seboni, a beloved cattle farmer. As the driving force behind Motsobella Farming Enterprise, she continues to serve as a beacon of hope for young farmers nationwide. Andrew Aphane, the esteemed chairperson of AFASA North West, also addressed the gathering, imparting wisdom and motivation.

In his talk, renowned Bonsmara breeder Duncan Serapelwane offered invaluable insights on accelerating the path to commercialisation. His fervent advice urged young farmers to not only elevate their skills but to consider farming as a profound calling, instilling a sense of purpose within the agricultural community.

Transform farming practices and safety protocols

With a profound understanding of the industry, RMI TED transformation facilitator Khomotso Mashiloane delved into the intricacies of the latest developments in red meat structure, offering valuable insights that are pivotal for modern farming practices.

Additionally, his talk underscored the significance of meticulous record-keeping in agricultural operations, emphasising its role in informed decision-making and sustainable farm management.

Moreover, Stephan Pietersen, the CEO of Work Accident Support, shared invaluable insights on the crucial topic of managing farm-related injuries in accordance with the most recent legislation.

With a deep understanding of the evolving legal landscape, Pietersen shed light on the intricacies of ensuring farm safety and compliance within the framework of the law. His presentation not only highlighted the importance of adhering to the latest regulations but also provided practical, real-world strategies for farmers to implement robust safety protocols on their farms.

Funding opportunities galore

In his presentation, Douglas Mosese, the esteemed provincial manager of Land Bank in North West, captivated attendees with insights into the bank’s extensive array of financial products, encompassing everything from traditional loans to innovative solutions like blended finance and the Agro Energy Fund.

Blended finance, a pioneering initiative by Land Bank, combines various forms of funding, including grants and loans, to provide tailored financial packages to farmers. This strategic approach not only mitigates financial risks for farmers but also ensures they receive the necessary support to enhance their agricultural enterprises.

Ledile Kgomo, assistant manager for rural development at AgriSETA, also stood at the forefront of the North West farmers’ day, delivering a wealth of invaluable knowledge on funding opportunities pivotal for the growth of cooperatives, SMMEs, trusts, and CPAs in South Africa.

With a focus on nurturing the next generation of farmers and propelling the agricultural sector into a new era, Kgomo underscored the paramount importance of AgriSETA in shaping the future landscape of South African agriculture.

In his talk, Kgomo highlighted the diverse funding avenues available through AgriSETA, providing a roadmap for farmers to access financial support. These opportunities are not merely monetary transactions; they represent a lifeline for new-era farmers, offering the essential resources required to transform their dreams into thriving agricultural enterprises.

AgriSETA’s role in empowering cooperatives, small businesses, trusts, and CPAs goes far beyond financial assistance. It signifies a commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity within the agricultural sector, ultimately driving economic growth and ensuring a prosperous future for South African farming.

Moreover, the event offered a deep dive into the intricate world of product labelling, courtesy of Louis Lemmer, a seasoned AECI Plant Health crop advisor hailing from Lichtenburg.

His expertise shed light on the nuances of product labels, equipping farmers with essential knowledge crucial for their agricultural practices. Additionally, Xolani Ndovela from Khula! took the stage, unveiling an expansive spectrum of products and services that the platform offers.

With a focus on empowerment, Khula! provides farmers with cutting-edge software tools designed to enable and enhance agriculture and food businesses. These tools encompass a wide range of features, including innovative marketing and trade platforms, streamlined procurement processes, and comprehensive support services tailored to the unique needs of farmers.

By bridging the gap between technology and agriculture, Khula! empowers farmers with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in the modern agricultural landscape, fostering growth and sustainability within the industry.

Animal health products took centre stage with Setlhakonyane Jeremia Moiloa from Afrivet. Wrapping up the day, Donald Maqubela from Sanlam Life delved into financial planning, equipping farmers with vital knowledge to strengthen their financial landscapes. The event thus concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired and armed with newfound expertise to revolutionise their farming endeavours.

ALSO READ: Sign up now to attend Food For Mzansi’s farmers’ days

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