Agriculture
Nwest Young Farmers focus on "life in the soil"─── SABRINA DEAN 00:00 Sat, 25 Apr 2015
Lichtenburg - Young Farmers from across North West heard that the role of commercial farming is non-negotiable to ensure food security and that there are still opportunities for commercial farmers to expand.
This was during the annual Agri NW Young Farmers’ Conference in Lichtenburg on April 24, presented under the theme “life in the soil”. Keynote speaker Hans van der Merwe, who is executive director of Agri SA, addressed the question of whether or not young farmers should continue to strive for expansion so as to take advantage of economy of scale.
He highlighted some interesting points, including that smaller scale farming plays an important role in a mixed society:
'Hans van der Merwe 1'
He adds, however, that the role of commercial farmers remains critical in ensuring food security, telling conference delegates that there are opportunities for commercial farmers to benefit from the economy of scale.
Commenting on the uncertainty around the current land reform process, he says the agriculture community needs to remain positive:
'Hans van der Merwe 2'
Current chairperson of the North West Young Farmers Committee, Magnus Theunissen, was meanwhile re- elected as chairperson, with Gideon van Zyl elected as vice-chairperson.
Professor Leon van Rensburg, managing director of Profert Fertilizer, addressed the conference on the role of microbes in plants, soil and animal feed, with a panel of experts set to discuss the topic in further detail.
Sabrina Dean/OFM News
'Hans van der Merwe 1':
'Hans van der Merwe 2':
