The Limpopo Pig Study group recently gathered at The Ranch Resort in Polokwane to share knowledge and hear some life lessons from Bakkies Botha. Suné le Roux from 4Mix International shared the results of her colostrum trial work. Highlights of the trial include the positive relationship between colostrum intake and future performance of piglets. Alré Theron from Big Dutchman gave a summary of the modern trends in equipment, particularly the use of technology to improve environmental monitoring and management.
“The agricultural sector has done better than other sectors”, said Nico Groenewald, head of agriculture at Standard Bank, “as is reflected in renewed investment in agricultural equipment.” He was, however, cautious in predicting what the future might hold due to uncertainties in the weather, geopolitics, and South African economic recovery.
SAPPO’s chief executive officer, Dr Peter Evans, gave an overview of activities conducted over the past year and encouraged farmers to actively partake in the recording of data around animal movements, including logging vet visits. It was stressed that accurate information enhances our ability to export pork and collect slaughter numbers and levies.
Bakkies Botha was extremely entertaining and the highlight of the day, presenting a very personal talk about his journey in rugby, and his humbleness and gratitude for his opportunities were palpable. Jokingly, he is grateful that the modern contact ‘safety’ rules were not used in his playing days, as he may have qualified for a number of yellow or red cards. Bakkies and some of his colleagues also started a welfare organisation called HelpJag, which collects donated venison to feed underprivileged children, and they now proudly feed 8 000 children per day.
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) coordinates industry interventions and collaboratively manages risks in the value chain to enable the sustainability and profitability of pork producers in South Africa.
