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G
RAANGIDS
Farmer Development Programme for
a prosperous and united sector
Grain SA would like to see sustainable production on every hectare of arable land in South Africa
– irrespective of the size of the land. To this end training and on-farm support is given to develop-
ing farmers.
The programme, which was introduced in 2000, establishes a platform for healthy and sustain-
able transformation on a broad base. Through funding by the Maize Trust, the Oil and Protein
Seeds Development Trust, the Winter Cereal Trust, the Sorghum Trust, the ARC and the AgriSETA,
the programme has made a huge difference to the economic viability of developing farmers.
The programme is proud to have 4 663 black farmers in its 126 study groups and ten branches
(Lichtenburg, Belfast, Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, Ladybrand, Louwsburg, Kokstad, Maclear, Mthatha
and Paarl). It already boasts 103 advanced farmers who receive on-farm support and are well on
their way to independence.
In our efforts to develop the individual and his/her knowledge, we continue to support the farmers
through study group meetings, demonstration trials and farmers days, the Farmer of the Year
competition, the advanced farmer programme, training courses, a monthly newsletter
(
Pula Imvula
) and weekly radio broadcasts. It is our belief that investment in the people is
what is going to bring the sustainability to the process of agricultural transformation.
A prosperous and united agricultural sector is within our reach. Sustainable production on each
hectare is quite possible if we address the real barriers that we are facing. Land tenure and soil
rectification, extension support, tractors and mechanisation, production loans, knowledge and
mentoring – we have the solutions to the problems and if we could unite the sector, we could build
the agricultural dream so many of us are dreaming!
Enquiries about the programme can be directed to the co-ordinator in your area:
Danie van den Berg
Free State (Bloemfontein)
071 675 5497
Johan Kriel
Free State (Ladybrand)
079 497 4294
Jerry Mthombothi
Mpumalanga (Nelspruit)
084 604 0549
Naas Gouws
Mpumalanga (Belfast)
072 736 7219
Jurie Mentz
KwaZulu-Natal (Vryheid)
082 354 5749
Ian Househam
Eastern Cape (Kokstad)
078 791 1004
Lawrence Luthango
Eastern Cape (Mthatha)
076 674 0915
Liana Stroebel
Western Cape (Paarl)
084 264 1422
Du Toit van der Westhuizen
North West (Lichtenburg)
082 877 6749
Vusi Ngesi
Eastern Cape (Maclear)
079 034 4843
Willie Kotzé
Operations Manager: Grain SA Farmer 082 535 5250
Development Programme
Schools Programme focuses on agriculture’s value
We are privileged to receive funding from the Maize Trust to implement a schools
programme. In our modern society, children are no longer aware of agriculture’s
value as a source of food, fibre and energy as well as for career choices. Our mes-
sage to them is: “Without agriculture, you would be naked, hungry and thirsty.”
Enquiries about the programme can be directed to Willie Kotzé (Operations
Manager: Grain SA Farmer Development Programme) on 082 535 5250.