Farmers' chance to sow their stuff

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Credit: vitasamb2001

These farmers must have been a member of a provincial affiliation of Agri SA for at least two years and they compete against other young farmers from the same province before being selected as finalist in the larger competition. The nine provincial finalists are then further judged on their farming skill, financial and business acumen and a multitude of other scientific criteria.

A panel of esteemed judges, chaired by Prof Carlu van der Westhuizen, will judge every finalist over a couple of weeks in October and choose the final winner.

New Harvest competition

Toyota has confirmed that it will again support the New Harvest competition for emerging farmers and the winning candidate in this competition will receive his prize at the same gala award function in November 2010 as the Young Farmer of the Year competition.

The New Harvest competition is aimed at individuals who have owned or operated a farm for at least five years and who overcame a previously disadvantaged background to become a successful farmer. Farmers in this competition often have to overcome unique challenges, such as a lack of natural and financial resources.

Toyota will again draw on the expertise of Prof van der Westhuizen to judge the nominated finalists from each province for this competition and the winner also stands the chance to walk away with a brand new Hilux bakkie.

"Agri SA regards this competition and Toyota SA's participation of great value to identify young role models such as Tony da Costa for new entrants and therefore for the future of the industry. We would like to call on all young farmers to enter for this competition at their provincial offices," says Carl Opperman, chairperson of Agri SA's Corporate Liaison Committee.

"Farming is a highly technical and demanding profession and successful farmers manage a multitude of disparate areas and as many unexpected challenges. Our participation in these awards speak of our admiration of the work that our farmers do, to put food on our nations' table, and it is a natural extension of the close relationship that we have forged with the agricultural community over our 30 years as the South African market leader," says Marius Vorster, vice president: marketing planning and communications at Toyota.

Emerging farmers who would like to participate in the New Harvest competition can telephone Prof Van der Westhuizen at +27 (0) 51 507-3434 or e-mail az.ca.tuc@htsewdvc.