Agri Mega Week 2011: Agriculture for the People

Agri Mega Week 2011: Agriculture for the People The theme for this year's Agri Mega Week, which takes place from Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 September at Mega Park in Bredasdorp, has been designated as "Agriculture for the People." So what does this theme mean in all practicality and how relevant is it for an expo to focus on the grain, sheep, wool, and dairy industries?

Simply put, 'Agriculture for the People' is concerned with:

The bread in your lunchbox
Grain, and specifically small grain, matters will be considered and will be geared towards both producers and consumers. Over and above numerous exhibitioners ranging from planters to harvesters and balers, to mention but a few, one can also exchange ideas with various grain marketers. Grain SA will once again make a guest tent available where producers can rub shoulders with the management of this commodity organisation. For the consumer, demonstrations surrounding the production of grain bring the value chain to their attention. Planning is also underway to establish a farmers' market which will supply, among others, fresh bread, jams, farm butter, and all sort of treats that are not to be missed.

The wool jacket on you back
If quality clothing is non-negotiable for you, attending the Merino Classic at Agri Mega Week is highly recommended. This is not just any show, but rather a national event where the pinnacle of quality wool production will be presented in the form of various activities including field and flock shows, fleece competitions, a fashion parade featuring Merino wool garments, a potjiekos competition, and much much more will be on offer on this year's Merino Classic menu.

The milk that you drink
The dairy industry, as per usual, forms an important part of Agri Mega Week, and this year is no different. The Western Cape Jersey Championships, Southern Cape Ayrshire championships, as well as the ever popular "Queen of the Expo" interbreed dairy championships, are but a few of the highlights that await visitors. For the younger consumers, the Western Cape MPO will also be presenting a school programme. Producers that are members of the MPO will be provided with free entrance, as well as special parking, so as to further facilitate attendance of the much anticipated dairy workshop that will boast a number of top speakers. Do not miss out on the hoof care demonstrations, the youth show, and visits to the various exhibitions by service and product providers in the dairy industry.

The meat that you braai
It is not just the Merino's that will be ostentatiously displayed at this year's Agri Mega Week, but other sheep breeds will also be participating in the various shows and exhibitions. Visitors can furthermore look forward to an array of activities and presentations including; beef cattle breeds, autopsies on cattle and sheep, as well as exhibition stalls of a number of distributors and producers covering all sizes of the spectrum and providing the opportunity to engage with the activities in the red meat industry. If braai and eating meat is not your scene, prepare yourself to come and see the popular Farm Yard with an assortment of majestic beasts both big and small. The poultry industry will also be in attendance, in the form of the Agri Mega Week poultry show.

The work that you do
Agri Mega Week is truly a platform for agriculture and there are loads of other activities that visitors can look forward to. It also facilitates interaction and strives to bring together producers, farm workers, upcoming farmers, input producers, agricultural businesses, and government, for progressive and pertinent discussions about this industry that not only creates employment but provides nourishment for the nation.

The organisers of Agri Mega Week would thus like to cordially invite all interested parties to diarise Wednesday 14 – Friday 16 September 2011, and prepare themselves to experience "Agriculture for the People" in action.

For further enquiries contact Reinette Basson, Mega Events 021 863 0397 or eventsadmin@agrimegea.co.za