The Suide Boere Netwerk (SBN), a group primarily consisting of communal and resettled farmers from the southern pockets of the country, recently held a successful mini-show that attracted over 388 animals of various breeds.
Although they have hosted numerous small shows before, it was the first time for SBN to stage a fully expanded annual show that carried prizes for the various winners and also saw a large number of attendees.
The event took place at Amper-Bo village in the Hardap region and saw the likes of Conradie Snyders’ Van Rooy ewes walking away with top honours in the elite female category and also being crowned the reserve champion.
Farming stable Saaipan Boerdery’s six teeth Boergoat ewe was the winner of her category, while Wouksie van Wyk’s Meatmaster ewes were named the senior and reserve senior champions at the well-attended event, which also saw many young farmers from other parts of the country in attendance taking notes and learning from their southern counterparts.
Besides the winners of the various categories, veteran judges such as Wihan Brandt and Revel Beukes were on hand to share their expertise with emerging farmers on how to select and maintain the perfect breeds for such shows. On display were Boergoats, Meatmaster, Van Rooy and Savannas.
Judge Brandt said they were highly impressed by the quality of some of the animals and encouraged the farmers to continue working hard and concentrate more on improving their gene pools.
Lead organiser of the show Wouksie van Wyk, who is also part of SBN, said he was happy with the overall attendance of the show, especially the interest and seriousness shown by the farmers.
“The show attracted about 388 small animals and that clearly shows how big the event was and what that could mean going forward. Old and young farmers were all there to participate and support the show and knowledge was also exchanged between the various farmers. SBN mostly comprises communal and resettled farmers but we work very closely with commercial farmers as well, as they are the ones who advise us on certain things when hosting such shows,” said van Wyk.
“Although we have hosted other mini-shows before, this one was much bigger and better because the winners got prizes and the quality and quantity of animals on show also improved. We have now set up a committee of dedicated persons who will work hand in hand with SBN when putting up such events because we want to grow the show and give more of our farmers opportunities to grow their individual brands as well.”
– ohembapu@nepc.com.na