The Northern Cape Farmer’s Day

June 27, 2024

The Northern Cape Farmer’s Day

A Celebrated Success

On June 21, 2024, the Northern Cape Farmer’s Day took place at Andre de Kock en Seun Veilings Kraal in Kuruman, marking the first event hosted by The Impact Catalyst and SerDev Livestock Development Project in the JTG District. Launched in 2023, the project employs SerDev’s development model, a tiered approach that supports farmers at various growth stages. This initiative aims to assist farmers in transitioning from traditional to commercial farming through training, monitoring and mentoring.

The Farmer’s Day was a resounding success, drawing an estimated 400 attendees. The event featured a comprehensive program designed to educate and empower local farmers.

Program Highlights

Welcome and Introduction to the Northern Cape Livestock Programme by SerDev.
Building Blocks for a Healthy Herd by MSD.
Disease Management and Control & Local Vaccination Programme by Seodin State Vets.
Empowering Farmers: Fundamental Cattle Breeding and Management by RMIS.
Farming with Dorper Sheep in the Northern Cape: Why Choose Dorper Sheep breed by Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa.
Live Demonstration by the Noord Kaap Dorper Klub – Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa.
Live Demonstrations and guidelines Karsten Boerbok Stoet.
Livestock Improvement by Sernick Group.
Live Demonstration by Bonsmara SA.
Experience Sharing by Project Farmer Keobakile Sebitloane.

Thanking Our Sponsors and Partners

We would like to thank Christopher Melamu for providing the venue and sharing his expertise, Bonno Serapelwane from Moalosi Bonsmara, and various exhibitors including, among others, Kuruman Ford, NMI Toyota and Hino Kuruman, Bolimi Bokamosho, and Lerotse Yogurts, who showcased their products. We would also like to thank the KLK Korporasie, Afrivet, Sky Limit Architects, and other SMMEs for their participation. Speakers such as Dr. Marinette Bothma from MSD and Tebogo Molele from the Sernick Group delivered insightful presentations, while the Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa, Karsten Boerdery and Bonsmara SA demonstrated livestock. Catering by Nonny’s Catering and support from the Bikers Joint enhanced the event’s overall experience, complemented by the seamless coordination by the MCs, SerDev staff, and The Impact Catalyst, all contributing to the day’s success.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, exhibitors, project partners, and attendees for making this event a remarkable success:

Special Mentions

Department of Agriculture – Regional manager Mr Kalakgosi and staff.
Christopher Melamu: For providing the auction venue and sharing his knowledge, together with Sandile Nzuza from Bonsmara SA, on bull selection and conducting a live demonstration of Bonsmara Cattle.
Bonno Serapelwana: For representing Moalosi Bonsmaras.
Kuruman Ford: For exhibiting four vehicles.
NMI Toyota and Hino Kuruman: For exhibiting two vehicles (Wimpie Laing).
Bolimi Bokamosho (SMME): Mokime Mike Extension services.
Lerotse Yogurts (SMME): Palesa Dioka for exhibiting and selling.
Sambok Hot Sauce (SMME): Letlhogonolo Leserwane for exhibiting and selling.
KLK Korporasie: Gerhard Linde & Nolene Keganne for exhibiting TLB, feed, cribs, and water.
AfriVet: Tupelo Seikaneng & Frik van Der Walt for exhibiting medications.
Sky Limit Architects (SMME): Paballo Motumi & Kgothatso Tlholonyane for exhibiting.
Makawana Farmers Stockvel for sponsoring Stockfarm magazines and water.
Bobo Scones and Muffins (SMME): Boingotlo Mothsabi for selling scones and muffins.
Glacier Water (SMME): For exhibiting and selling water.
KC Farming: For selling vegetable seedlings.
RMIS: Ernest & Tidimalo for speaking, exhibiting, and being fantastic all-rounders.
MSD: Tlhapi Mariba for exhibiting.
Dr. Marinette Bothma for a presentation on the building blocks of a healthy herd.
Dr. Emma and Dr. Daniel: From Seodin State Vets for sharing the area’s vaccination programme.
Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa: Everyone who helped make the day successful, including Japie Oberholster for his presentation, Larry Snyders for the live demonstration and tips on selecting quality sheep, Anja Meintjies for organising the tea stand and refreshments, and for the booklets made available through their sponsors.
Karsten Boerdery: Heraldo Smith for showcasing goats and for sharing his knowledge on profitable goat farming and selecting the best goats at auctions.
Mr. George Selao and Mr. James Mangate: For lending us their Bonsmara cattle for a live demonstration.
Sernick Group: Tebogo Molele for an insightful presentation on livestock improvement.
Nonny’s Catering: Me Tshetlho for catering a fantastic lunch at the end of the day. (Her contact details are available at the end of this article for those who wish to support her business in the JTG area.)
Andre Kock en Seun Auction House Kuruman staff: For assisting us over the two days.
Bikers Joint: Pako Jood and his staff for supplying the sound system and keeping the speakers on air.
Mr. Rattel and Mr. Sebitloane: For their contributions on behalf of local farmers.
MCs Puleng Maishoane and Brian Rasehlo from SerDev: For keeping the event on schedule and leading the informative and interactive successful farmer’s day.
The Impact Catalyst: For being partners in the project.
All SerDev staff: For their hard work before, during, and after the Farmer’s Day, and a special mention to Petro Naude for attending the day in person.

A bright future ahead

The Farmer’s Day was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the agricultural community in Kuruman. Special thanks to The Impact Catalyst, our project partners, for making this program possible. Petro Naudé, New Business Director at SerDev, emphasised the event’s significance, stating, “Putting faces to people as well as learning new things will spread the message throughout the region, and we hope to receive many more applications from farmers who would like to become beneficiaries of the program.”

We also extend our gratitude to all SerDev staff for their hard work and dedication before, during, and after the event.

Finally, a huge thank you to the more than 400 attendees who made the Northern Cape Farmer’s Day a resounding success. Your participation and enthusiasm inspire us to continue supporting the growth and development of the farming community in the JTG District. Together, we are building a brighter future for agriculture in the Northern Cape.

Contact Nonny’s Catering
Phone: 082 550 9663
Email: ktmshetlho@yahoo.com