Calling all young farmers!
Young farmers under 40, this is your time to shine as the search is on for the annual Toyota Young Farmer of the Year.
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, has launched their hunt for a young farmer to represent the province at the national competition held in Pretoria in October.
Kwanalu CEO Sandy La Marque said this competition highlights the great skills and entrepreneurial spirit required to be a successful farmer.
“We know we are blessed with a very high calibre of farmer in our province but this competition is more than just how much a farmer is able to produce or how pretty their farm looks. It’s about sound business acumen and strong agricultural practices,” said La Marque.
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She said the judges will visit the farmers during the selection process and look at everything from their financing, budgets and investment policy, to the technical aspects of livestock breeding systems, disease control, pasture systems and plans, to the fertilization, weed control and cultivation practices of crops and orchards.
“Labour philosophy and housing, attitude, and reaction towards land reform and black economic empowerment, as well as personnel practices, involvement in organized agriculture and the community, and even layout and appearance of the farm and farmyard are all areas in which the potential future Young Farmer of the Year is judged.”
All farmers under the age of 40, whether they are owners or partners in a farm, male or female and full members of their provinces’ agricultural unions are encouraged to enter.
“Young farmers are the future of this country’s food security and should be honoured,” said La Marque.
The annual contest will see the most promising young farmers from all nine provinces compete for the coveted title, currently held by Northern Cape farmer Jaco Strauss, and drive away in a brand new Toyota Hilux Single Cab vehicle.
Entries for the KZN Young Farmer of the Year competition close on July 31. For more information and to enter now, visit www.kwanalu.co.za or call 033 342 9393.
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