Experience the best of agriculture and much more

There is growing excitement for the Mpumalanga Show which will be held from August 31 to September 3 at Mbombela Stadium. The show, the biggest event of its kind in the province, focuses on agriculture, forestry, wildlife and tourism.

Apart from being a showcase for these sectors in the province, it will feature workshops and discussion groups aimed at enhancing dialogue in the agricultural industry, especially between government and farmers. Business breakfasts providing financial outlooks and panel discussions between government and farmers are on the morning programme. In the evenings visitors can sit back and enjoy the entertainment on offer, which includes Mango Groove, Majozi, Jo Black, Adam Tas, Ricus Nel, Jason Lee and Charlize Berg, to name but a few. The spotlight will be on agriculture and farmers can look forward to a wide variety of tractors, machinery and high-tech developments on display. As the province with the highest concentration of subtropical-fruit production, this sector will receive special attention and a dedicated subtropical arena will provide a one-stop shop for farmers looking for the latest innovations in inputs and processing equipment.

“We believe as a Mpumalanga show we have a unique opportunity to showcase this valuable industry to farmers, the general public and students looking for possible career paths.

“The subtropical-fruit industry is responsible for bringing in much-needed foreign exchange and the macadamia industry in itself is the second-largest earner of forex in Mpumalanga after coal.

“This is also an industry that has grown rapidly over the last few years and we want to equip our farmers with whatever they need to ensure the sustainability and growth of this sector,” said Lindi Botha, marketing manager of the Mpumalanga Show.

Livestock farmers will not be disappointed with the 18 cattle breeds on display, which includes Ngunis, Bonsmaras, Romagnolas and Dexters.

There will also be five sheep breeds including Pedi and Merinos and goats like the Xhosa lob-ear and Angoras. “We are bringing the farm to the masses in our livestock section and Wanda, the famous Simmentaler show cow of Willie O’Brien, will be on display to demonstrate the milking process and give visitors the never- forgotten experience of tasting fresh milk.

“Sheep shearing will also take place and spectators will be able to witness the spinning process on a loom and wool-spinning wheel.

“There will also be a bird section with more than 100 canaries and fancy pigeons,” said Botha.

One of the highlights of the show is the 100 horses that will take part in the Western Mounted Games and tent pegging. Members of the Springbok gymkhana team will show off their skills in the tent pegging competition while the Western Mounted Games will see riders battling it out between the obstacle courses.

The wildlife section features crocodiles, birds of prey and a cheetah.

“We are really excited to be able to feature these wild animals at our show, since we will be hosting more than 1 000 schoolchildren who have never had the privilege of seeing these animals up close. As part of the educational value we are offering our visitors, the show will also feature talks by wildlife experts from the Kruger National Park and demonstrations by snake handlers,” said Botha.

Pet lovers will have an opportunity to show off their canine friends on September 2 at the Midfeeds Family Fun Dog show. There will be categories for best-groomed dog, most obedient and those that can perform tricks.

Even so-called pavement specials will have their moment of fame! The judges will look for the best owner-dog lookalike.

Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the latest 4x4s, motorbikes, mountain bikes and off-road vehicles. Botha said a 4×4 course is specially being built for the show by the Lowveld 4×4 club so adventure seekers can test drive their dream SUVs on-site. Outdoor equipment like caravans, tents and camping gear will be on show and a special Man Cave section will display the latest in hunting rifles and archery equipment.

An archery tournament will also take place during the weekend, led by former rugby player, Danie Rossouw.