Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Plaas Media kicked off a new project at the start of 2022 in collaboration with Dr Louis du Pisani, specialist agri consultant: rangeland, livestock, and farm economics. This project, known as the Veeplaas Climate Smart Ambassador, aims to identify livestock producers who implement climate smart farming practices on their farms and who are passionate about the conservation of their environment.
These are also individuals who are willing to impart their knowledge and show other livestock producers who share the same passion for their environment, how to implement these practices on their farms.
Read the first of the articles in the Stockfarm series.
The entrants had to complete a questionnaire on www.agriorbit.com which considered their farming practices based on six aspects: veld management, herd management, management of bare areas, erosion and bush encroachment, drought management, financial management and knowledge regarding climate change.
Based on their answers, entrants were scored on a scale of one to ten. The answers as well as the accumulated scores were considered and the finalists were selected.
The project will next see Dr Du Pisani travel to the farms of the finalists for verification and further inspection of the entrants’ climate smart farming practices.
The Veeplaas Climate Smart Ambassador will be selected after the farm visits. The winner will not only win a cash prize, but will be hosting a farmers’ day on his or her farm later this year, during which they will be sharing their knowledge and practices with other entrants and farmers who wish to learn more about these practices.
Sponsors will also be given an opportunity to interact with entrants and other producers, and share their passion for climate smart farming.
Sponsors
Our sponsors this year deserve a big hand for their dedication to climate smart farming. Be sure to keep an eye on Farm TV in the coming months for interviews with the project sponsors regarding their role in the project, their business practices and how they are tackling climate change.
Our sponsors are Nutri Feeds, Pioneer, Zoetis, Nedbank, and Metos SA.
Meet the finalists
In an interview with Farm TV, Dr Du Pisani explained what set the finalists apart and in which areas they excel: “I was impressed by the smart and innovative strategies and practices the finalists employ to mitigate the effects of a highly variable climate, and the way they make every drop of rainwater count. I can tell you that the competition is stiff, and it is going to be a challenge to select the eventual winner.”
Our finalists for the first Veeplaas Climate Smart Ambassador, in no specific order, are:
• Matthew Morgan, Tarkastad.
• Stefan Erasmus, Middelburg.
• James Faber, Barkly West.
• Willem Storm, Olifantshoek.
Watch the announcement of the finalists below:
For more information regarding the competition, 2023 entries, sponsorship opportunities or other queries, contact Deidré Louw on 066 231 2430 or email deidre@plaasmedia.co.za.
