Positive attitudes win the day for young farmers

The 2015 KZN Toyota Young Farmer of the Year was revealed at Kwanalu’s 17th annual congress in Pietermaritzburg on 10 September, with 33-year-old Anthony Goble taking top honours.

Positive attitudes win the day for young farmers
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Goble, who farms sugarcane, macadamias and bananas in Tongaat, will go on to represent KZN in October at the national Young Farmer of the Year 2015 award.

“I am looking forward to the national competition and the chance to gauge myself against the top farmers in SA. I hope that I can do KZN proud,” said Goble.

Kwanalu CEO Sandy La Marque said competition judges were encouraged by the positive approach that the finalists took in looking for ways to grow their businesses: “They saw social issues and land reform as opportunities rather than challenges. It is exciting to see their attitude. With farmers like this, we’re looking forward to a good future in KZN.”

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Greytown strawberry farmer Andy Buchan was elected the new president for 2015/2016. Phenias Gumede and outgoing president Mike Black will be vice-presidents.

“The road ahead will no doubt be an arduous one, but I am confident in the strong team that we have in Kwanalu. Agriculture is a vehicle in which we can serve the people, and I count it as an honour to serve people,” said Buchan.

Agri SA retiring CEO Hans van der Merwe was awarded a Meritorius Service Award, having been actively involved in organised agriculture for 34 years.