Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
This year saw Plaas Media, in collaboration with Dr Louis du Pisani, presenting the third instalment of the Veeplaas Climate-Smart Ambassador project which was once again a great success. The project is aimed at giving recognition to livestock farmers who apply climate-smart farming practices on their land. The former winners of the project are James Faber (2022) and Piet Roux (2023). These farmers are not only climate-smart, but also willing to share their unique knowledge with other livestock producers.
No project undertaking is possible without the support of loyal and dedicated sponsors. This year’s sponsors, Nedbank, Zoetis, and Advanta Seeds, deserve a round of applause for their dedication to climate-smart farming in South Africa, and their support of the producers who apply these practices.
Visit the Veeplaas Climate-Smart Ambassador playlist on the Plaas/Farm TV YouTube channel to see what our sponsors have to say about their involvement in this project: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWJpN39Xw5Y5B_gR5JJQnruRry8SKn9-e&si=_I_MEaL4h_HOG0n9.
The 2024 judging process
As in previous years, the participants had to complete a questionnaire on www.agriorbit.com which considers their farming practices from six angles. The participants’ answers were scored on a scale of one to ten, after which the answers as well as the points allocation were considered, and the finalists were chosen. Read more about this process on the AgriOrbit website: https://agriorbit.com/veeplaas-climate-smart-ambassador-2024-finalists/
Dr du Pisani then visited each of the three finalists, Charl Saunderson from the Kenhardt vicinity, Paul Collett from Cradock, and Hendrik Odendaal near Standerton. He was accompanied by Plaas Media staff during these visits, the purpose of which is to do a closer inspection of the finalists’ climate-smart farming practices and to verify their initial answers on the questionnaire. Where necessary, marks were adjusted up- or downwards, and a final mark out of 100 was then allocated to each participant. So, after many miles and after visiting these exceptional farmers …
… the 2024 Veeplaas Climate-Smart Ambassador is …
Charl Saunderson! Charl is a well-known farmer in his community, and farms with a Dorper stud near Kenhardt in the Northern Cape. Besides being a known figure in his community, he is also well-known across the country and even at international level.
He is the current vice-chairperson of the Northern Cape Red Meat Producers Organisation’s (RPO) branch, has a radio programme on OFM titled “Boer dat dit bars met Charl Saunderson”, and is a judge and past council member of the Dorper Sheep Breeder’s Society of South Africa. Now, Plaas Media is proud to also call him its 2024 Veeplaas Climate-Smart Ambassador because of his exceptional farming practices.
Dr Louis du Pisani had many good things to say about Saunderson and what makes him a worthy winner. Watch the announcement here: https://youtu.be/33S_MM5ku0o?si=biAzvbWwaemTk32Q
2024 Veeplaas Climate-Smart Farmer’s Day
The goal of this project is to assist and educate other livestock producers or agricultural role-players who want to improve their farming practices to mitigate and managed climate challenges. The project therefore culminates in a farmer’s day hosted on the ambassador’s farm each year. The previous two farmer’s day proved to be very popular with more than 100 people attending each of the days.
During the 2024 farmer’s day, Saunderson will take attendees through his practices, Dr du Pisani will discuss various aspects of climate-smart farming (with reference to all three finalists), and the main project sponsors will each present a talk on a relevant climate-smart topic, along with a few guest speakers. A wealth of knowledge will be shared on the day, so don’t miss out on this free learning opportunity. Keep an eye on the press and the Veeplaas Tydskrif Facebook page for an official announcement regarding this year’s farmer’s day.
Farmer’s day sponsorship opportunities
While the project has three main sponsors who enjoy certain exclusive benefits, some smaller on-the-day sponsorships are available. For more information on how you can get involved contact Deidré Louw on 066 231 2430 or send an email to deidre@plaasmedia.co.za.
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For more information regarding the competition, entries, or sponsorships, contact Deidré Louw on 066 231 2430 or email deidre@plaasmedia.co.za. – Press release, Plaas Media
