Enjoyable farmer’s days in Western Cape

Enjoyable and well-attended MPO Farmer Days were held on 10, 11 and 12 March in Malmesbury, Swellendam and George, respectively. Chairman Mr George Kuyler said the outlook for dairy farmers remains positive in view of the growing demand for dairy products, particularly in South Africa and the rest of the continent. Guest speaker Mr Reinhard Moors encouraged farmers to have a vision for their farming enterprises and to think out of the box. Mr Daneel Rossouw, who represented the main sponsor, Nedbank, gave milk producers a broad overview of current economic trends, while Dr Koos Coetzee, MPO economist, shared local and international industry information. Ms Helene Pheffer told dairy farmers how to benefit from the Institute for Dairy Technology’s skills development courses and curriculum development. Drs Danie Odendaal and Mark Chimes explained the use of the early disease warning system and why it is important for dairy farmers. Retiring MPO CEO Mr Bertus de Jongh bade delegates farewell.

At each farmer’s day, one lucky participant won an all-inclusive ticket to attend the Large Herds Conference in Port Elizabeth from 1 to 3 June. MPO Western Cape sponsored the tickets, which evoked enthusiastic participation in the competition. Mr George Kuyler expressed his appreciation to all participants and sponsors who contributed to these memorable occasions.

Jan Oosthuizen participates in the MPO competition to win a Large Herds Conference 2015 ticket.

A Group of farmers rubs shoulders during the MPO farmers day near Malmesbury.

Helene Pheiffer of the IDT and Reinhard Moors, a motivational speaker, talks about the milk industry during a coffee break.