Farmer’s Commodities Information Day Strengthens Agricultural Skills in Thabo Mofutsanyana District

The Extension and Advisory Services in Thabo Mofutsanyana District hosted a Farmer’s Commodities Information Day yesterday at Driehoek Farm in Ladybrand, bringing farmers and agricultural stakeholders together to share knowledge and explore ways of strengthening farming businesses. The initiative focused on farmers involved in red meat, vegetable production, piggery and poultry. These different agricultural commodities were brought together to encourage farmers to explore how they can complement one another and create additional value within their businesses. The information day also provided an opportunity for farmers to gain practical knowledge from agricultural specialists and government representatives. Through collaboration, skills development and access to relevant information, the initiative aimed to help farmers build more sustainable and productive agricultural enterprises.

The event created a platform for farmers to exchange ideas about integrating different agricultural commodities and making better use of available resources. Diversification can help farmers reduce their reliance on a single source of income while creating opportunities to develop complementary activities within the same agricultural business. For example, farmers can explore how livestock, vegetable production and poultry operations can be managed alongside one another where resources and market conditions allow. Such integration can also encourage more efficient use of land, labour and other farm inputs. The information day therefore focused not only on production but also on how farmers can strengthen the commercial side of their operations and identify opportunities to add value.

Mr Lesego Mokgothi, the owner of Driehoek Farm, welcomed farmers and other participants to the event and expressed his appreciation for the Department’s support for farmers in the Mantsopa Municipality. His remarks highlighted the importance of partnerships between farmers and government agricultural support structures. Access to information, technical advice and development programmes can make an important difference to farmers who are working to improve their businesses. The hosting of the information day at Driehoek Farm also provided a practical setting for farmers to engage with specialists and fellow producers. Mokgothi’s appreciation reflected the value of continued support for farmers at local level.

In her welcoming remarks, Mantsopa Municipality Mayor Cllr Mamsie Tsoene encouraged farmers to make use of the programmes offered by the Department. She also urged farmers to work closely with Extension Services so that they can access information that can assist them in developing their agricultural activities. Extension officers play an important role in connecting farmers with technical knowledge, government programmes and other agricultural resources. Regular engagement can help farmers identify challenges early and obtain guidance on issues affecting production and business sustainability. The Mayor’s message therefore emphasised the importance of farmers taking an active role in seeking information and using available support mechanisms.

Land access was another important issue discussed during the information day. Mr Mollo from Land Acquisition explained that access to land remains a serious challenge for many farmers who want to establish or expand agricultural businesses. He provided information about the procedures that prospective beneficiaries need to follow when applying for land and explained programmes available through Land Reform. Understanding these processes can help farmers make more informed decisions when seeking opportunities to obtain agricultural land. Access to accurate information is particularly important because land acquisition involves specific requirements and procedures that applicants need to understand and follow.

Animal health was also placed high on the agenda during the information session. Dr Lerothodi delivered a detailed presentation on Foot-and-Mouth Disease and discussed other diseases that can affect livestock. Farmers were reminded of the importance of understanding animal diseases, recognising potential warning signs and taking appropriate preventative measures to protect their herds. Disease outbreaks can have serious consequences for livestock producers because they can affect animal health, production and access to markets. Strengthening farmers’ knowledge of animal health can therefore contribute to better farm management and help reduce risks within livestock enterprises.

Poultry farmers also received important information on biosecurity. Ms Motsoahae delivered a presentation on biosecurity measures that farmers in the poultry sector can implement to protect their birds and reduce the risk of disease entering or spreading within their operations. Biosecurity involves practical measures designed to limit exposure to disease risks and protect the health of poultry. Good biosecurity practices are particularly important for farmers who want to maintain productive flocks and reduce losses associated with preventable diseases. The presentation gave poultry producers an opportunity to improve their understanding of measures that can support healthier and more sustainable poultry businesses.

The information shared during the event was welcomed by participating farmers. Mr Thamae thanked the Department for organising the session and said the information provided farmers with additional skills to help sustain their agricultural businesses. Such information sessions can give farmers access to knowledge that may not always be readily available through informal networks. They also create opportunities for producers to ask questions, exchange experiences and learn about challenges faced by other farmers working in different commodities. Continued training and information sharing can help farmers make better decisions and strengthen their ability to manage changing conditions in the agricultural sector.

Mr Pudumo, the Agricultural Practitioner in Thabo Mofutsanyana District, emphasised the importance of working closely with the Municipality to ensure that farmers receive appropriate assistance. Collaboration between agricultural practitioners, municipal structures and farmers can help improve coordination and ensure that available support reaches producers who need it. Pudumo also thanked the speakers who contributed their expertise and delivered presentations during the information day. He expressed appreciation to the farmers who attended and participated in the session. His remarks reinforced the importance of continued engagement between farmers, government departments and local authorities.

The Farmer’s Commodities Information Day at Driehoek Farm demonstrated the value of bringing farmers from different agricultural sectors together to share knowledge and explore opportunities for integration. The focus on red meat, vegetables, piggery and poultry provided a broad platform for discussing production, disease management, land access, biosecurity and business sustainability. The involvement of Extension and Advisory Services, the Municipality and other agricultural specialists ensured that farmers received information covering several important areas of agricultural development. Continued initiatives of this nature can help farmers strengthen their skills, improve production practices and identify opportunities to add value to their businesses. By working with Extension Services and making use of available government programmes, farmers in Thabo Mofutsanyana District can build stronger agricultural enterprises that contribute to local food production, employment and economic development.