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The leading cattle and sheep farmer in South Africa will once again receive recognition from Voermol Feeds this year, and entries for this competition are now open. Producers and representatives of the sponsors of the 2024 competition, farmers’ associations, and other agricultural organisations can submit nominations.
Kenny Crampton, the company’s national sales manager, says the competition is presented in conjunctions with various collaborators and sponsors, namely Landbouweekblad, the National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA), the national Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), FNB, BKB, and Zoetis.
The closing date for nominations is 31 July 2024. Any prominent livestock farmer who is esteemed among his fellow farmers can be nominated. Thereafter, a team of very experienced, independent judges will announce three finalists in each division and visit them on their farms to ultimately appoint the winners.
Characteristics of an excellent livestock farmer
The criteria that are considered include:
- Resource utilisation.
- Fodder flow planning.
- Grazing management.
- Breeding and selection standards.
- Record-keeping.
- Comparison with other norms.
- Marketing and value addition.
- Herd production.
- Appearance and condition of animals.
- Infrastructure.
- Staff management.
- Participation in organised agriculture.
The best cattle and sheep farmers will be crowned during a gala dinner in November 2024. The Cattle Farmer of the Year has been presented for the past 19 years, while the Sheep Farmer of the Year has been awarded 18 times.
According to Kenny, it is important that the winners share their knowledge and extensive experience as livestock farmers with others. Therefore, both winners will host a farmers’ day. The dates will be announced as soon as possible after the gala dinner.
Click on the links below to download the respective entry forms:
Livestock producers can enter directly or be nominated by an agricultural organisation or even an individual. The entry form is also available nationwide at Voermol and the sponsors.
