Innehållsförteckning för Vol 22 - No 1 2025 från AgriProbe

Agriculture: The Ultimate Team Sport Sport in agriculture!? Well, it is undeniably true that agriculture is a “contact sport”. Just like any successful sporting code, the agricultural sector needs to prepare itself during the off-season to invigorate itself with energy and passion to be able to ignite themselves for the real season. The AgriProbe team believes our valued agriculturalists did enjoy a well-deserved “off-season” with their loved ones and if fortunate, perhaps visited places or family that are of special value to them. Like in any sport, hard work, good relationships and future thinking are but some of the elements that make a team successful. In this edition, you will read all about the work that went into building relationships with some external players to strengthen our agricultural game. There…

As part of the 2024 provincial veterinary week activities, the Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory hosted its second annual VDS Scientific Symposium during October 2024 in Saldanha Bay on the West Coast, with the theme “Breaking Animal Disease Boundaries – The urgency to transcend”. The theme aimed to address unfolding issues around changing animal disease behaviours. “Cleaning is not just cleaning; there’s more to it if proper and effective biosecurity is to be implemented and maintained in a laboratory or any set up for that matter.” The event was a success and boasted internationally acclaimed guest speakers, such as Prof. Neil Duncan from C4 Africa, who is also a retired poultry specialist from the University of Pretoria, a giant in the field of poultry production and diagnostics. Dr Didi Claassens,…

As reported in the AgriProbe Vol. 21(1) pp. 18-23, the Western Cape Government is one of the founding members of the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP), which includes 16 sub-national regions of the world with a Mediterranean climate. MCAP members committed to work together to advance a common agenda and collective action to protect communities and ecosystems in these regions from the increasing threats of climate change. Since signing the partnership agreement at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, the three working groups on drought, fire and extreme heat commenced their work and compilation of actions plans. This was followed by the first Leadership Council meeting, which was held in Barcelona, Spain during June/July 2024. It is with excitement that we announce the second Leadership Council will be held during…

The African Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) held its annual stakeholder meeting during November 2024 in Dakar, Senegal. Some of the recurring themes from previous years included: 1) Africa is still challenged by the fact that, according to some calculations, more than 65% of its soils are depleted, with the result that average yields are substantially lower than the global average. To address this problem the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP) was adopted earlier in 2024 during a conference in Nairobi. 2) Valuable lessons were learned during the initiative on promoting adaptation and resilience to climate change in Africa (CACCI). After all, most people vulnerable to climate change live in Africa. 3) Per capita calorie intake is increasing, but too slowly to achieve the Sustainable…

In November 2024 an historic moment occurred in the history of the Agri-Worker of the Year Competition when Lindie-Alet van Staden was crowned agri-worker of the year. Lindie-Alet is the first winner from the white ethnic group, and also the first provincial winner hailing from the Franschhoek Region. Lindie-Alet, currently employed as Garden & Olive Manager on L’Ormarins Estate in the Franschhoek area, is a woman that lives for the agricultural sector. As she would proudly say: “Met my hande in die grond is ek die gelukkigste.” Lindie-Alet was born and grew up in Brits, North West Province on her grandfather’s farm, prior to moving to Losperfontein Correctional Services, where her father was responsible for the vegetable farming to supply fresh produce, as well as the dairy and gardens. She…

The lack of financial management among businesses in the agricultural sector remains a concern. It is for this reason that African Farming, an agricultural media platform for emerging and commercial black farmers, decided to host information days focusing on financial advice to support and develop black farmers. Through this initiative, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) was invited to participate in one of the information days organised for the Western Cape at Langgewens Research Farm in May 2024. At this event, Ziyanda Mtshiselwa-Poswa and Mzwanele Lingani of Agricultural Economic Services, under the Production Economics and Farm Management division, shared their insights on the importance and benefits of farming businesses keeping financial records as these are essential for decision-making and statutory compliance. Additionally, these officials also highlighted how the WCDoA…

Good veld management depends on the health and biodiversity of the natural resource. Biodiversity is the sum of all organisms that live together within the specific area. Health relates to the resilience of the natural resource to external shocks and changes. Human population growth and lifestyles have impacted on nature, mostly through exploitation and pollution of the natural resource. This has led to the destruction of biodiversity and ultimately to climate change. Scientists warn that ecosystems are starting to approach tipping points – where they shift into a new, degraded state that further reduces their resilience. The future of the earth, as we know it, is in our hands. The conservation and management of natural resources is our responsibility and includes maintaining biodiversity and reducing our impact on nature. We…

As we step into 2025, policymakers at every level, face a defining question: Are we doing enough to unlock faster economic growth, create sustainable jobs and improve the quality of life for our citizens? This question is more urgent than ever in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. The Western Cape has stood out in South Africa, proving that focused policy can yield results. The Western Cape province grew employment by 26.1% since the initial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. During the same period, South Africa grew employment by 19.8%. Further, at 22.2% unemployment in the Western Cape remains the lowest in the country, although it is still high by international standards. Nonetheless, the province’s above-national performance is a testament to the region’s resilience amid challenges. This serves as…

Conference delegates. The youth that are in training or navigating the early stages of a career in agriculture, will be the professionals and managers in this sector for decades to come. At the same time, climate change is a reality and impacting and changing the agricultural sector in many ways. Are our youth equipped with the knowledge, vision and passion to provide the scientific evidence, climate-smart farming practices and technologies, and resolute leadership that will underpin a future thriving sector? During October 2024, the WCDoA hosted the third annual Climate Change and Agriculture Youth Summit at Goudini Spa near Rawsonville. A total of 89 youth (ages 18-35 years) participated, most of them from the Cape Winelands District. The event offered many opportunities to network and connect with other young professionals…

Thumbs-up to the passion, hopes and dreams, hard work and resilience of our rural women! In October 2024, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (Programme: Rural Development) hosted a gathering of women from all walks of life in the town hall of Murraysburg (Central Karoo District) to celebrate International Day of Rural Women. The theme of the day was “Rural women confront the global cost-of-living crisis”. Following the welcoming, Anchen de Peers delivered a rousing motivational speech – from the heart! She was the recipient of the 2024 Women Entrepreneurial Award: Female Worker, and hails from the farm Baakensrug near Nelspoort. The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism staged a play – a “Financial literacy drama” – what an impactful way to convey important messages! Serious stuff, while…

Mvuselelo (Vusi) Dalicuba and Kiara Scott Farmer are two winemakers you should remember. Both have had remarkable journeys at the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (EATI) and have gone on to become award-winning winemakers. “My winemaking lecturer was Lorraine Geldenhuys and she’s a very passionate woman. She instilled good values in us. She wanted to make sure we were going to be the best winemakers out there,” says Kiara. This approach has helped both Vusi and Kiara achieve great success in the wine industry. Vusi started as an intern at EATI and has come a long way since he was a boy who used to pinch grapes from the nearby vineyards in Kayamandi. Vusi joined Vergenoegd Löw in 2021, and just three years later he is proud to receive this prestigious…

During its 126th graduation ceremony, the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (EATI) highlighted the academic excellence of the class of 2024. A total of 189 students graduated and the Dux students of 2024 were an all-female line up across all three programmes, namely Agricultural Skills Development (ASD), Diploma in Agriculture and Bachelor of Agriculture. Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism in the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer, handed these special awards to Danelle Groenewald, Engela Uithaler and Johanna Slabbert respectively. The programme director on the day and hostel father, Brenton Maarman, jokingly said the recipients all stayed in the hostel and clearly the food served at the hostel had an impact on their success! Below is a bit more about the journey of the 2024 Dux students: Danelle Groenewald: Dux…

Community engagement can wear many different faces – from doing outreaches and vaccination campaigns to school talks. All of which are crucial to creating and maintaining good welfare of animals and ultimately creating a space of general consideration for animals among all walks of life. Although an unconventional way of community engagement, poetry has a way to consider and include those who would otherwise go unseen or unheard, as animals often do. Those often marginalised by society, especially children and senior citizens, had an opportunity to act as a spokesperson, activist, defender or even just an admirer and supporter of animals. Winning entry: Furry hearts made whole “In quiet eyes a story told, Of whispered dreams both young and old. They ask for little, just a chance, to live their…

1 Agricultural economist The wildlife ranching industry in South Africa has grown significantly over the past few years. This burgeoning sector is characterised by a unique blend of creativity, technical prowess and entrepreneurial spirit. Wildlife ranching involves the breeding and management of wild animal species for conservation, tourism and commercial purposes. It differs from traditional livestock farming as it focuses on mostly indigenous wildlife species, often within large, fenced areas that mimic their natural habitats. The goal is to sustainably manage wildlife populations while generating economic benefits through tourism, hunting and the sale of live animals. Wildlife ranching in South Africa is a significant part of the country’s conservation and economic landscape with the following points highlighting its importance: • Conservation Success: Wildlife ranching has played a crucial role in…

“All roads lead to Rome,” they say – a sentiment that rang true as I travelled to the 52nd Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 52) at FAO headquarters in the heart of Italy. Representing the WCDoA, I was honoured to join my colleagues, Jerry Aries and Douglas Chitepo, whose expertise and insights significantly contributed to our department’s representation. The event opened with a keynote by Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, who aptly stated: “The terrain is shifting fast – global politics, the economy and the urgency to work within food systems in new ways, require building the next generation of scholars and practitioners and redefining the relationship between academia and civil society.” His insights set the tone for thought-provoking dialogue…

The 49th edition of the Incubation and Fertility Research Group (IFRG) meeting was held in the beautiful city of Antalya, Türkiye, during October 2024. The IFRG provides a share-learning platform and is an excellent opportunity for sciences and industry to connect and exchange. The more than 80 attendees and 30 presenters included delegates from the UK, West and East Europe, South Africa, as well as Brazil and the USA. A wide range of topics was covered, including SPIDES, influence of incubation temperature on meat quality, egg storage, egg hygiene, as well as the treatment to incubation conditions of several avian species. This year was also the start of the IFRG NextGen Funding to give students opportunities and cultivate their future. The programme was divided into seven different sessions: • Fertility•…

From humble beginnings as a lecturer in Farm Management at Kromme Rhee Agricultural College from 1988 to 1992 and agricultural economist from 1992 at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), Dr Dirk Troskie became a driving force in the department and the agricultural sector at both provincial and national level. Dr Dirk Troskie, Director: Business Planning and Strategy, will be leaving the department at the end of May 2025 after a long and exceptional career. Dr Troskie was undoubtedly the best example of a “people first” leader and is respected by international, national, regional, provincial and local partners, collaborators as well as the citizens of the Western Cape. “Only the best service standards” was his mantra, which means there were no office hours, public holidays or weekends as the…

In October 2024, 28 officials from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and seven from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) attended a comprehensive hemp cultivation training session at Elsenburg. The training, organised by the ARC and Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was facilitated by the WCDoA to prepare officials to guide farmers and stakeholders in exploring the potential of hemp as an alternative crop in the region. The Western Cape’s agricultural landscape faces new challenges due to shifting climate patterns and market demands. Hemp is being considered for its potential benefits, including improving soil health and providing economic opportunities. However, its viability in the Western Cape remains uncertain due to the region’s hot, dry summers and the crop’s significant water and daylight length requirements. Current…

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds, digital marketing has become an integral tool for businesses to remain competitive. The agricultural sector, traditionally reliant on conventional marketing strategies, has also felt the need to leverage digital marketing strategies to position brands effectively in an evolving digital landscape. The study found that while the participant did not have formally documented digital marketing strategies, they had a good understanding of the essential role of digital platforms in reaching and engaging customers. Agricultural SMEs are recognising the necessity of building an online presence to remain relevant, engage with customers and grow their businesses. Similar to other sectors, agriculture has witnessed a shift from traditional to integrated marketing practices due to the rise of the internet. The study highlighted that platforms such as Facebook and…

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) was founded on 16 October 1945 in the aftermath of World War II. Since then, World Food Day (WFD) has been globally recognised on this date, making it one of the most celebrated events on the UN calendar. Last year’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future” (Leave No One Behind), underscored the urgent need to address food insecurity. For the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), WFD is a flagship event, traditionally celebrated in the first week of October to mark the beginning of Food Security Month. During October 2024, the WCDoA, in partnership with Casidra and the George Municipality, hosted WFD celebrations at the Uniondale Rugby Sports Field. The initiative extended its…