The Senwes Young Farmer Future Focus Day, presented at NAMPO Park for the tenth year on 12 September, challenged young farmers to remain up to date on the most recent technology in order to make their farming enterprises more competitive and profitable.

Prof. Johan Willemse from the University of the Free State was the guest speaker and assured the young farmers that money could still be made in agriculture. ‘Producers should not doubt whether they are in the right occupation – they are,’ he said. According to him, producers should use the best technology and products possible to be profitable. They should not focus on things that will not promote their businesses. He concluded by emphasising the importance of a long-term vision. ‘If you do not know where you are going with your farm, you will get lost.’

Young farmers who attended the event were allowed to tweet continuously on what was being said. The comments by one such tweeter, Loots van Rensburg, reflected how the young farmers experienced Willemse’s presentation: ‘Johan Willemse at Young Farmer Day. Excellent as always!’

A new addition was a panel discussion that, according to Magnus Theunissen, chairperson of Agri North West’s Young Farmers Association, provided a valuable contribution for the approximately 300 young farmers who attended the day. ‘We achieved our aim with this and the positive comments from the farmers in the audience during the discussion confirmed this,’ he said.

The panel discussion, facilitated by Prof. Willemse, was characterised by expertise. Wessel Hattingh and Magnus Theunissen as young farmers were supplemented by the more experienced Danie Minnaar, Thabo van Zyl and Janes Barnard. Themes touched on during the discussion were the implementation of technology to save on capital and labour, relationships with financiers, reducing technological risks, the value of experience and participation in study groups, and what the next step with regard to technology in farming should be.

The panel drew the following conclusions:

• it is important to have a vision;
• a producer should have a plan to fulfil their vision;
• prioritise before you implement any changes;
• consult people with experience; and
• talk to you financier.

After the discussion, tickets to the Johannesburg International Motor Show were handed to ten lucky winners, and this was followed by the practical demonstration with John Deere implements, particularly the new 6M range. The conservation agriculture equipment that was included in the demonstrations was on display for the first time in South Africa.

Pieter Esterhuysen, general manager of Senwes Grainlink, said that as one of the biggest investors in the Free State agricultural environment, Senwes focused on sustainability and implemented this in their growth strategy. Young farmers were encouraged by Chris Schoonwinkel, a member of the Grain SA Management Committee, to become involved in organised agriculture and to offer their financial support too.

The chairperson of the Free State Agriculture Young Farmers Association, Wessel Hattingh, motivated young farmers to join hands and voice their opinions, while Heinrich Bruwer, Agri North West’s young farmer of the year, emphasised the importance of a positive attitude among young farmers. ‘Agriculture is the cornerstone of this country,’ he said.

According to Prof Johan Willemse this is the way farmers should go about making more money, reducing risks and enjoying their farms.