Hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture (the department) at Castle Rocks Shearing Shed in Makhatlanyeng village, the show brought together farmers from the Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu local municipalities. The event allowed producers involved in livestock, wool, mohair, pig farming, and other agricultural activities to showcase their work and learn from one another.
Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe told Farmer’s Weekly the that the show aimed to give farmers from different areas an opportunity to display their work while encouraging them to develop commercially viable enterprises.
“We want to encourage farmers to understand that agriculture is a business and that, once you enter the sector, you are entering commercial trade. We want our farmers to grow their businesses and understand that they contribute to food security and economic growth,” she said.
Kontsiwe said the department’s objective was to eradicate poverty in the Eastern Cape and support local farmers in progressing towards commercial production.
She welcomed the participation of farmers who had previously been recognised for their produce at the department’s agricultural shows and who continued to perform well, as well as the involvement of young people and families.
“What makes me happy is seeing different generations participating. I saw a young man with his father, while other farmers are introducing their children to the sector. As the older generation, we will not always be as strong as we are today, so it is crucial that we introduce our children to agricultural enterprises to ensure that these businesses continue contributing to agriculture in the province,” Kontsiwe said.
Mixed farming creates opportunities
Thomas Ntontela, a mixed farmer from Tlokoeng, secured first place for wool production and pig farming at the show.
He began farming alongside his uncle and later established his own operation after gaining access to communal land through traditional leadership. Today, he farms cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs, and vegetables. He also pumps water from a dam he constructed to support his operation.
“One of the key things I always tell the people I work with is that we must focus on quality rather than quantity. Quality sells itself, and that is our main aim,” Ntontela said.
Farmers learn from one another
Dintle Maphala, a mohair farmer from Aliwal North who placed second in the mohair category, said the show provided valuable exposure and opportunities to exchange knowledge with producers from different agricultural industries.
She said engaging with crop and vegetable producers, as well as livestock farmers, had given her ideas on improving production and farm management.
“It was a good experience to be among other farmers, not only mohair producers, but also those involved in different agricultural activities. It encouraged me because I could see that I wasn’t alone in mixed farming,” she said.
Maphala said the event allowed farmers to learn about livestock feeding, breeding, and practices aimed at improving animal quality. She also noted how some vegetable producers added value to their produce by washing and chopping it before sale.
She added that the opportunity to engage with established mohair producers and emerging farmers was particularly valuable, as sharing practical experiences could help producers improve their businesses.
“It’s not only about winning. Other farmers also want to grow in the industry, so we share our experiences and learn from one another. It was a very good show, and I believe it encourages both established and emerging farmers,” she said.
