On Thursday 12 September curious visitors can take a tour of the latest Mangold Trophy-winning farm and attend talks by various agricultural experts at the annual Farmers' Day.
On Thursday 12 September curious visitors can take a tour of the latest Mangold Trophy-winning farm and attend talks by various agricultural experts at the annual Farmers' Day.
Starting at 11.30am with talks by numerous speakers at the Southwell hall, guests will then take a tour of the winning farm.
Owned by Greg and Elzette Reed, Craigieburn Farm in the Southwell area won the 2012 Mangold Trophy for the best conserved and utilised farm.
This trophy is nominated by various agricultural associations in the Bathurst area and is awarded annually to a farmer in Makana or Ndlambe municipality.
Criteria used to evaluate the winning farm are: Conservation of natural resources; Veld management; Control of noxious weeds/invader and alien plants; Control of soil erosion and maintaining farm records.
Craigieburn comprises of 750 hectares. They started their dairy in 2006 and currently milk 400 cows on a dry land pasture-based system.
Seventy-five per cent of the milk produced on the farm is supplied to Parmalat and the remaining 25% is pasteurised and packaged on the farm by R&M dairies, which is run by their brother-in-law, Andrew Meyer.
At the Farmers' Day one guest speaker will be Dr Roelof Botha who has had a diverse career in management accounting, financial journalism, lecturing, consulting and economic research.
Botha is well known for his ability to motivate and captivate audiences by blending serious economic matters and politics with the lighter side of life. He has a talent for highlighting research that confirms positive structural changes in the South African economy.
The cost for the day is R50 per person, which includes sandwiches and refreshments for lunch, and a potjie for supper. Cash bar available.
RSVP to Walter Currie at 084 959 0940.
