Photo: Magda du Toit
Marna Swart, campaign activation and branding manager at Bayer, said the competition is not only about recognising inspiring women in agriculture but also about influencing how society perceives them.
“By putting the limelight on the value of women in the agriculture sector and focusing on the contribution they make to the broad sector, we aim to acknowledge both the acumen and leadership women bring to the sector as well as their compassion.
“Bayer will continue to support these women who, in their own way, are making a difference on their farms and in their communities,” Swart added.
Two winners were announced at a function held in Pretoria, Gauteng, on Friday. Rosina Katlego Kubedi, who farms between Lichtenburg and Mahikeng in North West and focuses on maize, sunflowers, and Boer goats, was named Female Farmer of the Year. She received R15 000 worth of products.
The winner of the Farmer’s Wife category was Margerite van Niekerk from Brits, who will have the opportunity to donate R10 000 to a charity of her choice. She and her husband Charl farm vegetables, wheat, and soya bean. She said she entered the competition to invest in her community and show her full support for her husband in their farming business.
Both women also received a R2 000 voucher from Bayer, a R1 500 voucher from Uppe Marketing, and three signed books by author Milanie Vosloo.
Swart explained that during the judging, the entrants’ overall involvement on their farms and in their broader communities were taken into consideration.
Wikus Boshoff, Bayer South Africa’s commercial strategy lead for maize seeds and traits, added: “The [agriculture] sector plays a crucial role in the sustainability of rural communities. Honouring these women is important, because they are there through the good times and the bad, supporting each other and their families.”
