Adapt to succeed

Farmers who adapt to changing circumstances are the ones who succeed in difficult times, said Dr Piet Croucamp, political analyst and presenter of Megaboere on Kyknet at the MPO Western Cape annual general meeting, in Riversdale on Tuesday and Malmesbury on Wednesday. Dr Croucamp was the guest speaker at the well-attended events led by Chairman George Kuyler. Werner Douglas of Green Habitat gave tips and advice on the use of solar as renewable energy. MPO CEO and Chairman Dr Chris van Dijk said the combination of business and scientific principles is the core of successful farming during his presentation on the future vision of the MPO. Milk producers voiced their concerns about the effect of the volatile local and international dairy market situation on their farming businesses. Dr Koos Coetzee, MPO economist, stated the recent decreases in producer prices locally followed the significant decline in international dairy and producer prices from April this year. He said the decrease in local and international prices is the result of a combination of factors, such as the end of the EU quota system and the current surplus of milk in the country. George Kuyler expressed his gratitude to everybody who attended the meetings and made valuable contributions.