KOMMERSIËLE DIENSTE COMMERCIAL SERVICES JOHAN LOXTON BESTUURDER: KOMMERSIËLE DIENSTE MANAGER: COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Transcription

1 KOMMERSIËLE DIENSTE JOHAN LOXTON BESTUURDER: KOMMERSIËLE DIENSTE MANAGER:

2 NAMPO Oesdag doen weer eens sy naam gestand NAMPO Harvest day lives up to its reputation again Graan SA se NAMPO Oesdag het weer eens n vars en vernuwende blik op die jongste landboutegnologie, dienste en innovasie aan landbouprodusente gebied, terwyl die passie en toewyding van Suid-Afrikaanse graanprodusente gedurende die glansryke Graanprodusent en Ontwikkelende Graanprodusent van die Jaar-toekennings gevier is. Grain SA s NAMPO Harvest Day once again provided agricultural producers with a fresh and innovative view of the most recent agricultural technology, services and innovations, while the passion and commitment of South African grain producers were celebrated at the glamorous Grain Producer and Developing Grain Producer of the Year awards. JOHAN SE SPAN/JOHAN S TEAM: WIM VENTER ADMINISTRATIEWE BEAMPTE: OESDAG ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: HARVEST DAY RIALEEN LOMBARD ONDERSTEUNINGSBEAMPTE: OESDAG SUPPORTING OFFICER: HARVEST DAY BENNIE ZAAYMAN TERREINBESTUURDER GROUNDS MANAGER ANNEMARIE DE BEER FUNKSIEBESTUURDER FUNCTION MANAGER HANS VAN DER BERG BEMARKINGS- EN KOMMUNIKASIEBEAMPTE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION OFFICER RIKA VAN NIEKERK ADMINISTRATIEWE BEAMPTE: HEFFING ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: LEVY PETRO VILJOEN ADMINISTRATIEWE KLERK: KOMMERSIËLE DIENSTE ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK:

3 KOMMERSIËLE DIENSTE NAMPO Oesdag Graan SA se 46ste NAMPO Oesdag het vanjaar weer eens sy naam gestand gedoen deur n platform te skep waar landbouprodusente op een tydstip en op een terrein die nuutste dienste, produkte en tegnologie, wat hul boerderye tot voordeel kan strek, kon sien. Die bywoningsyfer van was n goeie verbetering op die 2010-bywoningsyfer, wat die vorige beste syfer in die 46-jaar geskiedenis van die Oesdag was, uitsluitende die rekordbywoning van 2011 weens n openbare vakansiedag. Met n rekordgetal van 681 uitstallers skep Graan SA se NAMPO Oesdag nie net n handelsplatform vir inligting en advies nie. Dit is ook n plek waar gesprekke gevoer kan word en waar netwerke gevorm word, met n vars en vernuwende blik op die jongste landboutegnologie, dienste en innovasie. Die internasionale belangstelling in Graan SA se NAMPO Oesdag bevestig ook die belangrikheid van die geleentheid as handelsplatform vir Suider-Afrika. Meganisasie-uitstallers het vanjaar voortgebou op virtuele en oudiovisuele demonstrasies om bestaande en nuwe tegnologie by die Oesdag te demonstreer, insluitende n demonstrasie van n trekker wat deur waterstof aangedryf word. Belangstelling in die groot- en kleinvee-afdeling neem jaarliks toe. Beef Shorthorns, SA Savanna-bokke en die South African Quarter Horse Association was vanjaar deel van die topgehalte rasse wat by die veekomponent uitgestal het. Altesaam agt van die genootskappe in die beeskompleks het vanjaar hul standplase in lyn met die nuwe bouregulasies vir vee-uitstallers opgegradeer. Op die nuut opgegradeerde 4x4-hindernisbaan het twaalf fabrikate van die land se topvoertuigverskaffers hul nuutste bakkies en spesialisvoertuie aan die publiek ten toon gestel. Deelname van die jeug aan vanjaar se Graan SA/Omnia Boerepatentekompetisie was veral verblydend en besoekers kon verskeie deelnemers in die verskillende kategorieë se wenidees of -planne by die Oesdag te siene kry. By vanjaar se opwindende damesprogram kon dames inspirasie en kreatiewe idees kry, veral ten opsigte van onthaalkuns en skoonheid. As deel van Graan SA se beleid om voortdurend die standaard van uitstallings op te gradeer en te verbeter, is die Eskom-saal vanjaar met matte uitgevoer, terwyl die Agrinet-saal ook met matte asook uitstal-afskortings toegerus is. n Nuwigheid by vanjaar se NAMPO Oesdag was die bekendstelling van die Graan SA/BKT/Tubestone Ploegkompetisie waar deelnemers se vaardighede met n ploeg en n trekker getoets is. Dit het groot belangstelling onder besoekers getrek. Daar word beplan om jaarliks streeksuitdunne oor die land te hou. Die wenners van die onderskeie streke sal dan by die NAMPO Oesdag sake om die nasionale titel uitspook. Graan SA kon vanjaar daarin slaag om n tydelike radiolisensie te bekom en Graan SA Radio gedryf deur OFM se stem is die eerste keer gedurende die Oesdag gehoor. Die radiostasie het vanjaar grootliks bygedra tot die goeie vloei van verkeer en dit het luisteraars ook op hoogte gehou van gebeure op NAMPO Park, handelsnuus en aktuele landboukundige inligting. Verskeie onderhoude oor aktuele landbou-onderwerpe is ook met kundiges gevoer. Dit het uitstallers ook die geleentheid gegun om hul produkte en dienste op die radiostasie te bemark en aan besoekers bekend te stel. NAMPO Harvest Day Grain SA s 46th NAMPO Harvest Day lived up to its reputation again this year by creating a platform for agricultural producers to see the newest services, products and technology from which their farming activities could benefi t, at one point and in one place. The attendance fi gure of was a good improvement on the 2010 attendance fi gure, which was the previous best fi gure in the 46 year history of the Harvest Day, excluding the record attendance of 2011, due to a public holiday. With a record number of 681 exhibitors, Grain SA s NAMPO Harvest Day not only creates a trading platform for information and advice, but it is also a place where discussions can be held and networking can be done, with a fresh, innovative view of the most recent agricultural technology, services and innovations. The international interest in Grain SA s NAMPO Harvest Day also confi rms the importance of the event as a trading platform for Southern Africa. Mechanisation exhibitors continued their virtual and audio visual demonstrations to showcase existing and new technology at the Harvest Day this year, including a demonstration of a tractor powered by hydrogen. Interest in the large and small-stock divisions increases every year. Beef Shorthorns, SA Savanna goats and the South African Quarter Horse Association were among the top-quality breeds that exhibited in the livestock component this year. A total of eight of the associations in the cattle complex upgraded their stands in line with the new building regulations for livestock exhibitors this year. On the recently upgraded 4x4 obstacle course, twelve of the country s top vehicle suppliers showed off their newest bakkies and specialist vehicles to the public. It was particularly good to see the participation of young people in this year s Grain SA/Omnia Farmer Patent Competition and visitors were able to observe the winning ideas or plans of various participants in the different categories at the Harvest Day. This year s exciting ladies programme provided the women with inspiration and creative ideas, particularly with regard to the art of entertaining and beauty. As part of Grain SA s policy of upgrading and improving the standard of exhibits all the time, the Eskom Hall was carpeted this year while the Agrinet Hall was also equipped with carpets and exhibitor partitioning. An innovation at this year s NAMPO Harvest Day was the introduction of the Grain SA/BKT/Tubestone Ploughing Competition, which tested participants skills with a plough and a tractor. This elicited great interest from visitors. The plan is to hold regional trials across the country every year. The winners from the various regions will then compete at the NAMPO Harvest Day for the national title. This year Grain SA succeeded in obtaining a temporary radio licence and the voice of Grain SA Radio presented by OFM was heard for the fi rst time during the Harvest Day. The radio station contributed to a great extent to the smooth fl ow of traffi c this year, and it also kept listeners up to date on events at NAMPO Park, commercial news and current agricultural information. Several interviews on current agricultural topics were also conducted with experts. In addition, the radio station gave exhibitors an opportunity to 62

4 As organiseerder van die NAMPO Oesdag kon Graan SA, weer soos in die verlede, gratis toegang en parkering vir die uitsluitlike gebruik deur sy lede, aanbied. Graan SA-lede kon ook die eksklusiewe ledelokaal besoek en van die geriewe en verversings daar gebruik maak. Graan SA wil weer eens alle vrywilligers asook alle uitstallers, wat voertuie, werktuie en toerusting beskikbaar gestel het vir gebruik tydens die Oesdag, bedank vir hul betrokkenheid en bydrae tot die sukses van die NAMPO Oesdag. NAMPO Park Gedurende die verslagtydperk is verskeie opgraderings en projekte op NAMPO Park aangepak en afgehandel. Benewens die opgradering van die standplase deur uitstallers in die veekompleks, is daar ook veranderinge aan die elektrisiteitstoevoer, in lyn met die opgradering, aangebring. Van die vloere by die kleinveekompleks is as deel van n deurlopende plan oorgedoen. Die bestaande toilette by die veilingslokaal is ook opgegradeer en vergroot. Die dak van die Fanie Ferreira-saal is in dié tydperk vervang, terwyl n nuwe uitstalgebou vir Omnia opgerig is en Tubestone hul uitstallokaal opgegradeer het. Die noordelike en suidelike toegangsroetes na die terrein is oorgedoen, verbreed en in bane opgedeel met die doel om die vloei van verkeer te verbeter. Voorsiening is ook ten opsigte van riool gemaak met die aanbou van n addisionele riooldam. NAMPO Park is ook weer gedurende die jaar suksesvol uitverhuur as konferensiefasiliteit vir n verskeidenheid van funksies, huweliksonthale, privaat funksies, reünies, jaarafsluitings, manneaande, opleidingskursusse, matriekafskeidfunksies, boeredae, konferensies, kongresse, vergaderings, veeveilings, optredes deur bekende kunstenaars, tot n Bakkiedag en musiekfees. Die terrein beskik oor n verskeidenheid lokale van verskillende groottes en die meeste van die lokale beskik oor lugversorgers, toegeruste kombuise, koelkamers en ander benodighede. Die sestien en suite gastekamers met twee kombuise en n gesellige braai-area asook n karavaanpark met 82 staanplekke, waarvan die meeste met kragpunte toegerus is, sorg vir akkommodasie tydens geleenthede wat op NAMPO Park aangebied word. Spyseniering word ook gelewer, wat die kliënt in staat stel om market their products and services, and introduce them to visitors. As in the past, Grain SA as organiser of the NAMPO Harvest Day offered its members exclusive free access and parking. Members of Grain SA could also visit the exclusive members venue and avail themselves of the facilities and refreshments there. Grain SA would once again like to thank all volunteers and all exhibitors who provided vehicles, implements and equipment for use during the Harvest Day, for their involvement in and contribution to the success of the NAMPO Harvest Day. NAMPO Park During the period under review, several upgrades and projects were launched and completed at NAMPO Park. In addition to the upgrading of the stands of the exhibitors in the livestock complex, the electricity supply was also changed in line with the upgrading process. As part of an ongoing plan, some of the fl oors in the small livestock complex were resurfaced. The existing toilets in the auction hall were also upgraded and extended. During this period, the roof of the Fanie Ferreira Hall was replaced, and a new exhibit hall was constructed for Omnia, while Tubestone upgraded their exhibit site. The northern and southern access routes to the grounds were resurfaced, widened and divided into lanes to improve traffi c fl ow. Provision was also made for sewage with the construction of an additional sewage dam. NAMPO Park was again successfully leased as a conference facility for a variety of functions, wedding receptions, private functions, reunions, year-end parties, men s nights, training courses, matric farewells, farmer days, conferences, congresses, meetings, livestock auctions, performances by well-known artists, a Bakkie Day and a music festival. The grounds have a variety of venues of different sizes, and most of the venues are provided with air conditioning, equipped kitchens, cold stores and other necessities. Sixteen en suite guest rooms with two kitchens and a pleasant braai area, as well as a caravan park with 82 stands, most of which have electric power points, provide accommodation for events presented at NAMPO Park. Catering is also provided, which enables 63

5 KOMMERSIËLE DIENSTE sy volle aandag aan sy geleentheid te wy, terwyl die NAMPO Park-personeel, -spyseniers en ander diensverskaffers sorg vir die res. SA Graan/Grain SA Graan/Grain, met sy trotse geskiedenis en tradisie, is steeds Graan SA se amptelike tydskrif waardeur die organisasie met sy lede, ander graanprodusente en belangrike rolspelers in die bedryf kommunikeer. Dié mondstuk van Graan SA word per adreslys versend en ongeveer kopieë word tans per maand aan intekenare gepos. Die redaksie is baie trots daarop dat die oplaagsyfer die afgelope paar jaar met ongeveer gegroei het selfs die gemiddelde bladsye per uitgawe het van n 80-blad publikasie tot n gemiddelde 96-blad toegeneem. n Duidelike bewys dat dié semi-kommersiële blad in die kol is as vaktydskrif vir graanprodusente. Met sy tegniese en kommoditeitsinligting oor die onderskeie fasette van die graanbedryf, bied dit aan graan- en oliesadeprodusente n venster op bedryfsverwante aspekte soos graanbemarking, insette/produksie-aangeleenthede, the client to attend to his event, while the NAMPO Park personnel, caterers and other service providers look after the rest. SA Graan/Grain SA Graan/Grain, with its proud history and tradition, is still Grain SA s offi cial magazine through which the organisation communicates with its members, other grain producers and important roleplayers in the industry. This mouthpiece of Grain SA is sent per address list and approximately copies per month are currently mailed to subscribers. The editorial team is very proud that the print run has grown by approximately in the past few years even the average number of pages per edition have increased from an on average 80 page publication to an on average 96 page publication; clear proof that this semi-commercial publication is spot on as a technical journal for grain producers. With its technical and commodity information on the various facets of the grain industry, it offers grain and oil seeds producers a window into industry-related aspects, such as grain marketing, inputs/ production matters, fi nances, agricultural 64

6 fi nansies, landbou-navorsing en ander aktuele onderwerpe wat n impak op kommersiële graanproduksie het. Die artikels is aktueel, maar nie noodwendig altyd populêr geskryf nie. SA Graan/Sasol Nitro fotokompetisie Die SA Graan/Sasol Nitro fotokompetisie is baie gewild onder lesers en sal in 2013 vir die sesde agtereenvolgende jaar aangebied word. Dit bied aan amateurfotograwe die geleentheid om hulle blik op landbou met die lesers te deel. Baie dankie aan Sasol Nitro wat die prysgeld vir die kompetisie borg. Bedanking Die Redaksionele komitee bedank Graan SA se spesialispersoneel vir hul redaksionele deelname aan die blad; en so ook die medewerking deur die LNR-Instituut vir Graangewasse en die LNR-Kleingraaninstituut. Die Mielietrust en die Olie- en Proteïensade Ontwikkelingstrust se fi nansiële steun aan die blad word ook hoog op prys gestel. Bedryfsheffing Hoewel daar by die vorige Kongres besluit is om ondersoek na n statutêre heffi ng in te stel, word die bedryfsheffi ng tans nog op n vrywillige basis deur produsente aan Graan SA oorbetaal. Graan SA het reeds sedert die instelling van die bedryfsheffi ng ooreenkomste met verskeie landboubesighede en graanhanteerders aangegaan om namens Graan SA heffi ngs by produsente te verhaal. Dit is dan met dank dat ons kan verslag doen oor die bedryfsheffi ng, wat tans nog vrywilliglik en steeds op n baie gesonde basis betaal word, danksy die gesindheid van produsente landswyd. Graan SA speel met kundigheid en kapasiteit n dinamiese rol waar lede se sake binne die inset-, produksie-, mark- en beleidsomgewing hanteer moet word. Produsente raak al meer oortuig van die waarde van n bedryfsorganisasie soos Graan SA. Graan SA spreek graag sy dank en waardering uit teenoor alle invorderingsagente, wat die pad sedert die instelling van die bedryfsheffi ng saam met ons loop en sonder wie se samewerking die invordering nie moontlik sou wees nie. Deurlopende besoeke en gesprekke met hierdie invorderingsagente het ook daartoe bygedra dat die ledebasis sedert 2007 aansienlik kon uitbrei. Nuwe invorderingsagente word ook op n deurlopende basis aangestel. Ons opregte dank en waardering aan die volgende instansies wat ons die afgelope jaar hiermee bygestaan het: Afgri, Allem Bros, Bester Voer & Graan, BKB Grainco, Botselo Mills, Farmsecure, GWK, Schoeman Boerdery, Kaap Agri, Maize & More, MKB, NTK, NWK, OVK, Overberg Agri, Pannar, Pimankus, Prodsure, Senwes, Silostrat, SSK, Suidwes, Tuinroete Agri, Twee Tesame, TWK, Unigrain, VKB, Wes-Kaap Graanprodusente en Agri Wes-Kaap. Instansies, soos Blinkwater Meule, Farm-wise, Eco Grain, Explipro Graan, Vrystaat Mielies, Nu-Pro, Soill en Fincrop/Atlas trading is ook reeds in hierdie verband genader en ons vertrou dat invorderings deur hulle binnekort sal kan geskied. Hoewel hierdie wyse van invordering dit vir die produsent aansienlik vergemaklik, bly dit steeds die produsent se verantwoordelikheid om toe te sien dat daar aan die vereistes van lidmaatskap voldoen word. Indien n produsent dus by n graanafnemer lewer, wat nie tans as invorderingsagent optree nie, behoort die produsent die bedryfsheffi ng self direk aan Graan SA oor te betaal. Ons hartlike dank ook aan dié lede wat wel hulle heffi ngs self oorbetaal. research and other current topics that have an impact on commercial grain producers. The articles are topical, but not necessarily written in a popular fashion. SA Grain/Sasol Nitro photo competition The SA Grain/Sasol Nitro photo competition is very popular among readers and will take place for the sixth consecutive year in This offers amateur photographers the opportunity to share their view of agriculture with readers. A special thanks go to Sasol Nitro for sponsoring the prize money for the competition. Thanks The Editorial committee thanks Grain SA s specialist personnel for their editorial participation in the magazine; and also the ARC Grain Crops Institute and the ARC Small Grain Institute for their cooperation. The fi nancial support for the magazine from the Maize Trust and the Oil and Protein Seed Development Trust, is also much appreciated. Commodity levy Although it was decided at the previous Congress to investigate a statutory levy, the commodity levy is still being paid voluntarily to Grain SA by producers. Since the introduction of the commodity levy, Grain SA has entered into agreements with various agricultural businesses and grain handlers to recover levies from producers on behalf of Grain SA. We can therefore report on the commodity levy with gratitude, as it is currently still being paid voluntarily and on a very sound basis, thanks to the attitude of producers countrywide. Grain SA s expertise and capacity enable it to play a dynamic role in handling members affairs within the input, production, market and policy environment. Producers are becoming increasingly convinced of the value of an industry organisation like Grain SA. Grain SA would like to express its gratitude and appreciation towards all collection agents who have accompanied us on our journey since the introduction of the commodity levy, and without whose cooperation the collections would not have been possible. Continuous visits to and discussions with these collection agents have also contributed to the considerable expansion of the membership basis since New collection agents are also appointed on an ongoing basis. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the following institutions that have assisted us in this regard in the past year: Afgri, Allem Bros, Bester Voer & Graan, BKB Grainco, Botselo Mills, Farmsecure, GWK, Schoeman Boerdery, Kaap Agri, Maize & More, MKB, NTK, NWK, OVK, Overberg Agri, Pannar, Pimankus, Prodsure, Senwes, Silostrat, SSK, Suidwes, Garden Route Agri, Twee Tesame, TWK, Unigrain, VKB, Western Cape Grain Producers and Agri Western Cape. Institutions like Blinkwater Mill, Farmwise, Eco Grain, Explipro Grain, Free State Maize, Nu-Pro, Soill and Fincrop/Atlas trading have also been approached in this regard and we trust that collections by them will commence shortly. Although this method of collection makes life considerably easier for the producer, it remains the producer s responsibility to ensure that the membership requirements are met. If a producer therefore delivers to a grain buyer who does not act as collection agent at present, the producer himself should pay the commodity levy directly to Grain SA. Our heartfelt thanks to those members who do pay over their levies themselves. 65

7 KOMMERSIËLE DIENSTE Ledeverslag Die minimum heffi ng wat betaalbaar is om as volopbetaalde lid van Graan SA te kwalifi seer, is tydens die vorige Kongres vanaf 250 ton (R500 + BTW) na 500 ton (R BTW) aangepas. Aan die einde van September 2012 was daar reeds produsente namens wie die heffi ng ontvang is en volgens die aanpassing op lidmaatskap was van hierdie produsente opbetaalde lede. Hoewel daar n sywaartse tendens in die ledetal is, is daar tog n toename in randwaarde teenoor die ooreenstemmende tyd verlede jaar. Gedurende die jaar is 17 lede se heffi ngbetalings gestaak. Dit sluit bedankings asook lede wat hul boerderye gestaak het, in. Drie lede is tydens die periode oorlede en Graan SA betuig dan ook langs hierdie weg hul innige simpatie met die naasbestaandes van hierdie lede. Soos gebruiklik kon volopbetaalde lede van Graan SA tydens die afgelope NAMPO Oesdag weer die voordeel van gratis toegang, eksklusiewe parkering en die gemak van die Graan SA-ledelokaal geniet. Hierdie fasiliteite begin al groter byval vind by lede en Graan SA kyk voortdurend na maniere om dit vir lede nog gemakliker te maak. Die ledefasiliteit, parkering en gratis toegang tot die Agri Megaweek het ook by lede in die Suid- en Wes-Kaap groot byval gevind. Terugvoer aan produsente word op n gereelde basis gedoen deur middel van: n Skrywe gedurende Maart/April, vergesel van n staat wat die heffi ng aandui, wat namens die produsent deur die invorderingsagent aan Graan SA oorbetaal is. Volopbetaalde lede ontvang saam met hierdie skrywe ook hul uitnodiging na die NAMPO Oesdag. Tydens Julie/Augustus word n skrywe aan lede gestuur om hul in te lig oor die vordering met die strategiese doelwitte van Graan SA. n Staat van die heffi ng ontvang, word weereens ingesluit asook n uitnodiging na die Agri Megaweek aan volopbetaalde lede. n Skrywe gedurende Desember, wat ook n staat van die heffi ng ontvang insluit, sowel as n eksklusiewe SA Graan/ Sasol Nitro kalender vir volopbetaalde lede. Hierdie gewilde kalender bevat die wenfoto s van die SA Graan/Sasol Nitro fotokompetisie. Lede word ook deurentyd deur middel van elektroniese nuusbriewe asook SMS-boodskappe oor graanverwante aangeleenthede en vergaderings ingelig. Takstrukture Vir n bedryfsorganisasie soos Graan SA, is takstrukture van kardinale belang om kommunikasie en die vloei van inligting te vergemaklik. Om hierdie rede word vyf persent van die opbetaalde heffing terugbetaal aan die Graan SA-takstrukture en boereverenigings vanwaar die heffing ontvang is, om die fondse wat nodig is om op grondvlak te kan funksioneer, te verskaf. Takbesture het egter n verantwoordelikheid om ledelyste, bankbesonderhede en nuwe besture jaarliks met Graan SA te bevestig ten einde die uitbetaling van die takbefondsing te vergemaklik. Nadat ooreenkomste met Agri NW, Vrystaat Landbou en Agri Wes-Kaap gesluit is, waarvolgens Graan SA tien persent van die opbetaalde heffing terugbetaal aan dié instansies, maak Graan SA ook gebruik van gemeenskaplike strukture op boerevereniging- en takvlak, wat n groot voordeel vir alle partye inhou. Afgesien van die reeks streeksvergaderings, wat die vorige Kongres voorafgegaan het, het Hoofbestuur dit as doelwit gestel Members report The minimum levy payable to qualify as a fully paid-up member of Grain SA was adjusted at the previous Congress from 250 tons (R500 + VAT) to 500 tons (R VAT). By the end of September 2012 there were producers on behalf of whom the levy was received, and according to the adjusted membership, of these producers were paidup members. Although the membership is moving sideways, the rand value has increased compared to the corresponding period last year. The levy payments of 17 members ceased during the year. These include resignations, as well as members who terminated their farming activities. Three members passed away during the period and Grain SA would like to use this opportunity to extend its sincere sympathy to the relatives of these members. As is customary, fully paid-up members of Grain SA again enjoyed the benefi t of free admission, exclusive parking and the comfort of the Grain SA members venue during the recent NAMPO Harvest Day. These facilities are becoming increasingly popular among members and Grain SA is always looking for ways to make life even easier for members. The members facilities, parking and free admission to the Agri Megaweek were also very popular among members in the Southern and Western Cape. Feedback is given regularly to producers through: A letter during March/April, accompanied by a statement indicating the levy that was paid to Grain SA on behalf of the producer by collection agents. Together with this letter, paidup members are also invited to the NAMPO Harvest Day. A letter during July/August informing members of the progress with the strategic objectives of Grain SA. A statement of the levy received is also included, as is an invitation to paid-up members to the Agri Megaweek. A letter in December that includes a statement of the levy received, as well as an exclusive SA Grain/Sasol Nitro calendar for paid-up members. This popular calendar contains the winning photographs in the SA Grain/Sasol Nitro photo competition. Members are continually updated on grain-related matters and meetings via electronic newsletters and SMS messages. Branch structures Branch structures are vital to an industry organisation like Grain SA to facilitate communication and the fl ow of information. For this reason, fi ve per cent of the paid-up levy is repaid to Grain SA branch structures and farmer s associations from which the levy was received to provide the funds needed to function at grassroots level. However, branch structures have a responsibility to confi rm membership lists, bank details and new executives every year with Grain SA in order to facilitate the payment of this branch funding. After agreements were concluded with Agri NW, Free State Agriculture and Agri Western Cape, in terms of which Grain SA repays ten per cent of the paid-up levy to these institutions, Grain SA also makes use of the joint structures at farmer s association and branch level, which have great benefi ts for all parties involved. In addition to the series of regional meetings that preceded the previous Congress, the Executive set the objective of meeting as many producers as possible over the next year or two, to communicate the strategy of the organisation and to 66

8 om in die volgende jaar of twee by soveel as moontlik produsente uit te kom ten einde die strategie van die organisasie te kommunikeer en verhoudinge te bou. Die voorsitter, visevoorsitter en uitvoerende hoofbestuurder het reeds verskeie takke besoek ten einde die boodskap uit te dra. Graan SA versoek die takbesture om, waar moontlik, uitnodigings aan die organisasie te rig om minstens een keer elke tweede jaar besoek af te lê aan die onderskeie takke. Ons bedank dan ook dié takke wat reeds sodanige uitnodigings gerig het. Mnr Louw Steytler, nuutverkose voorsitter van Graan SA, het al by verskeie geleenthede aan produsente gesê dat die sukses van volhoubare en winsgewende graanproduksie binne die strukture van georganiseerde landbou gesetel is. Dit is juis in die huidige milieu dat die individu se enigste mondstuk binne die beleidsomgewing, n bedryfsorganisasie soos Graan SA is. Wat egter belangrik is, is dat beide partye, bedryfsorganisasie en produsent, n verantwoordelikheid het in hierdie verband. Graanprodusent en Ontwikkelende Graanprodusent van die Jaar Die toekenning van Mielieman van die Jaar is gedurende 2000 met dié van Graanprodusent van die Jaar vervang, nadat alle grane onder die nuwe organisasie, Graan SA, ingesluit is. Die sukses van hierdie toekenning het daartoe aanleiding gegee dat Graan SA gedurende 2002 ook erkenning aan ontwikkelende produsente begin verleen het en derhalwe ook die kategorie Ontwikkelende Graanprodusent van die Jaar ingestel het. Hierdie kategorie skakel in by die Ontwikkelende Landbouprogram van Graan SA, wat daarop gemik is om volhoubare swart kommersiële boere te ontwikkel. Graan SA erken graag die bydraes en betrokkenheid van die Mielietrust, Wintergraantrust, Sorghumtrust asook die Olie- en Proteïensade Ontwikkelingstrust (OPOT), tot die projek. Die glansgeleentheid, waartydens 2012 se Graanprodusent en Ontwikkelende Graanprodusent van die Jaar aangewys is, het op 12 Oktober by The Theatre On The Track in Midrand plaasgevind. Hierdie toekenningsgeleentheid word allerweë as dié geleentheid van die jaar in landboukringe beskou. Die funksie is deur 320 gaste, wat alle rolspelers oor die totale landbouspektrum verteenwoordig, bygewoon. Minister Naledi Pandor en adjunkminister Pieter Mulder was build relationships. The chairman, vicechairman and chief executive offi cer have already visited several branches in order to convey the message. Grain SA would like to request branch structures to invite the organisation, where possible, to visit the various branches at least once every two years. We would like to thank those branches that have extended such invitations. Mr Louw Steytler, recently elected chairman of Grain SA, has told producers on various occasions that the success of sustainable and profi table grain production lies within the structures of organised agriculture. It is in the current climate that the individual s only mouthpiece in the policy environment is an industry organisation like Grain SA. However, it is important that both parties, industry organisation and producer, have a responsibility in this regard. Grain Producer and Developing Grain Producer of the Year The award of Maize Man of the Year was replaced by that of Grain Producer of the Year in 2000, after all grains were included under the new organisation, Grain SA. The success of this award led to Grain SA starting to give recognition to developing producers as well in 2002, and introducing the category of Developing Grain Producer of the Year. This category links up with the Farmer Development Programme of Grain SA, which is aimed at developing sustainable black commercial farmers. Grain SA would like to acknowledge the contributions to and involvement of the Maize Trust, Winter Cereal Trust, Sorghum Trust and the Oil and Protein Seed Development Trust (OPOT) with the project. The prestige event, at which the 2012 Grain Producer and Developing Grain Producer of the Year were announced, was held at The Theatre On The Track in Midrand on 12 October. This awards event is widely regarded as the occasion of the year in agricultural circles. The function was attended by 320 guests, representing role-players from across the entire agricultural spectrum. Minister Naledi Pandor and deputy minister Pieter Mulder represented the government, and could observe the role that Grain SA and South Africa s producers play in ensuring food security. However, the function and awards are not aimed at recognising only the fi nalists, but all grain producers in South Africa. 67

9 KOMMERSIËLE DIENSTE verteenwoordigers van die regering, wat kon waarneem watter rol Graan SA en Suid-Afrika se produsente speel ten einde voedselsekerheid te bewerkstellig. Die funksie en toekennings is nie net daarop gemik om erkenning aan die bepaalde fi naliste te gee nie, maar aan alle graanprodusente van Suid-Afrika. Hierdie projekte sou egter nie sonder die borgskappe van Syngenta en Absa moontlik gewees het nie. Syngenta is reeds vir etlike jare al die hoofborg van die funksie asook hoofborg van die Graanprodusent van die Jaar, terwyl Absa Agribesigheid medeborg en ook hoofborg van die Ontwikkelende Graanprodusent van die Jaar is. Bo en behalwe die produsente is daar ook ander rolspelers wat die sukses van die bedryf bepaal en hoewel Graan SA dit nie noodwendig jaarliks doen nie, is daar ook n toekenning aan die Graanwetenskaplike van die Jaar gemaak. Dit bly belangrik om op n deurlopende basis kennis te neem van die waardetoevoeging wat wetenskaplikes en landboukundiges ten opsigte van produsente se winsgewendheid en volhoubaarheid maak. Graanprodusent van die Jaar Die funksie was weereens deur drie top fi naliste, wat hul ondernemings met passie en toewyding bedryf en as voorbeeld en inspirasie vir ander produsente dien, gekenmerk. Gilly Scheepers van Bloukruin Landgoed naby Fouriesburg is as die dertiende Graanprodusent van die Jaar aangewys. Gilly het gedurende 1985 op grond wat hy gehuur het, op klein skaal begin boer, maar het sy beskeie begin op 380 ha, met harde werk en baie opofferings uitgebrei tot etlike duisende hektare. As gevolg van die diversiteit wat die Oos-Vrystaat bied bestaan sy boerdery uit verskillende vertakkings. Geelmielies word verbou en die prysfl uktuasie daarvan word versag deurdat die geelmielies as voer in die hoender- en veevertakking van sy boerdery gebruik word. Benewens mielies verbou hy ook koring en droëbone. Sy boerdery word verder deur n suksesvolle speenkalfproduksie, n beduidende getal Merino s vir wolproduksie en n enorme lêhennevertakking gekenmerk. Die ander twee fi naliste was: Johan en Johan (jr) van Huyssteen van Virginia Van Huyssteen Boerdery Francois en Pieter Eksteen van Piketberg Witvlei Boerdery Ontwikkelende Graanprodusent van die Jaar Israel Motlhabane van Wesselsbron is as Ontwikkelende Graanprodusent van die Jaar aangewys. Nadat hy vir n baie lang tydperk gespaar het om sy droom te verwesenlik, het Israel sy eerste plaas, Annasvlei in die Wesselsbron-distrik, gedurende 1996 op n veiling gekoop. Goeie beplanning en harde werk het hierdie droom van hom laat waar word. Hy beskik oor hoëpotensiaal grond en glo dat daar geld te maak is, indien jy boerdery korrek aanpak en altyd na die wyse raad van raadgewers en medeprodusente luister. Met goeie bewerking kon hy daarin slaag om sy mielieopbrengs na 5,4 ton/hektaar te verbeter. Sy veefaktor dra verder tot die sukses van sy boerdery by. Medeprodusente, soos Chris Schoonwinkel, beskou Israel ook as die ideale man om mee besigheid te doen, aangesien Israel vir tweedehandse werktuie en trekkers, wat hy by ander produsente koop, kontant betaal. These projects would nonetheless, not have been possible without the sponsorships of Syngenta and Absa. Syngenta has been the main sponsor of the function for several years, and is also the main sponsor of the Grain Producer of the Year, while Absa Agri Business is the co-sponsor and also main sponsor of the Developing Grain Producer of the Year. In addition to the producers, there are other role-players who determine the success of the industry, and although Grain SA does not necessarily do so every year, an award was also given to the Grain Scientist of the Year. It remains important to continually take note of the value added by scientists and agriculturists with regard to producers profi tability and sustainability. Grain Producer of the Year The function was once again dominated by three top fi nalists who run their undertakings with passion and dedication and serve as an example and inspiration to other producers. Gilly Scheepers from Bloukruin Estate near Fouriesburg was selected as the thirteenth Grain Producer of the Year. Gilly started farming on a small scale in 1985 on land that he leased, but has expanded his modest start on 380 ha to several thousand hectares through hard work and many sacrifi ces. Because of the diversity offered by the Eastern Free State, his farming operations involve different branches. Yellow maize is cultivated and the price fl uctuations are cushioned by using the yellow maize as feed in the chicken and livestock branches of his farming activities. In addition to maize, he also cultivates wheat and dry beans. His operations are characterised further by successful weaner production, a signifi cant number of Merinos for wool production and an enormous branch of laying hens. The other two fi nalists were: Johan and Johan (jr) van Huyssteen from Virginia Van Huyssteen Boerdery Francois and Pieter Eksteen from Piketberg Witvlei Boerdery Developing Grain Producer of the Year Israel Motlhabane from Wesselsbron was selected as the Developing Grain Producer of the Year. After he had saved for a long time to realise his dream, Israel bought his fi rst farm, Annasvlei, in the Wesselsbron district at an auction in Good planning and hard work helped him to realise this dream. He owns land with high potential and believes that it is possible to make money if you approach your operations in the correct way and always listen to the advice of advisers and fellow producers. Good tillage allowed him to increase his maize yield to 5,4 tons/hectare. His livestock factor further contributes to the success of his operations. Fellow producers, like Chris Schoonwinkel, also regard Israel as the ideal person to do business with, as Israel pays cash for second-hand implements and tractors that he buys from other producers. The other two fi nalists were: John Motsoeneng from Aberfeldy Tembalekhaya (Khaya) Fort Nkuhlu from Vrede Die ander twee fi naliste was: John Motsoeneng van Aberfeldy Tembalekhaya (Khaya) Fort Nkuhlu van Vrede 68

10 Graanwetenskaplike van die Jaar Professor Maryke Labuschagne is as Graanwetenskaplike van die Jaar aangewys. Sy het in 1985 haar BSc-graad en in 1986 haar BScAgric honneursgraad in Genetika aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat behaal. Vanaf 1989 sit sy haar loopbaan as dosent aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat voort en behaal die grade MScAgric en PhD onderskeidelik in 1989 en Sy is sedert 2003 professor en hoof van die Planteteeltafdeling van die Departement Planwetenskappe. Tydens haar loopbaan het sy as studieleier en medestudieleier vir verskeie MSc- en MScAgric-grade en as promotor en medepromotor vir verskeie PhD-proefskrifte opgetree. Die Planteteeltafdeling, wat as n Sentrum van Uitnemendheid in Afrika beskou word, is onder haar leiding uitgebou en sy is in 2011 daarvoor met die Kwame Nkrumah Wetenskaplike Toekenning vereer. Maryke dien op verskeie navorsingsverwante komitees en was vir die periode 2000 tot 2002 president van die Suid-Afrikaanse Planttelersvereniging. Sy doen ook reeds 20 jaar lank navorsing op die faktore wat die gluten- en bakkwaliteit van Suid-Afrikaanse en verskeie ander Afrika-koringkultivars, beïnvloed. Grain Scientist of the Year Professor Maryke Labuschagne was selected as Grain Scientist of the Year. She obtained her BSc degree in 1985 and her BScAgric honours degree in Genetics from the University of the Free State in From 1989 she continued her career as a lecturer at the University of the Free State and obtained the degrees of MScAgric and PhD in 1989 and 1994, respectively. She has been a professor and the head of the Plant Breeding division of the Department of Plant Sciences since During her career she has acted as supervisor and co-supervisor to various MSc and MScAgric students, and as promoter and co-promoter for several PhD theses. The Plant Breeding division, which is regarded as a Centre of Excellence in Africa, was expanded under her leadership and she received the Kwame Nkrumah Scientifi c Award in recognition for this in Maryke serves on various research-related committees and for the period of 2000 to 2002 she was the president of the Southern African Plant Breeders Association. She has been conducting research on the factors affecting the gluten and baking quality of South African and several other African wheat cultivars for 20 years. 69