Under the theme “Better pigs start with better practices,” the Mamre Recreational Centre became a hub of learning and empowerment as 67 farmers gathered for a dynamic study group session hosted by the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO).
This community-focused initiative aimed to build capacity among small-scale pig farmers by providing practical insights into biosecurity, feed management, and animal identification. The inclusive nature of the event underscored SAPPO’s commitment to making opportunities in agriculture accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability.
A highlight of the day was a technical session by Nova Feeds, a feed supplier based in Malmesbury, who shared valuable insights on feed mixing and pig nutrition. Their presentation emphasised how quality feed and proper formulation directly impact growth, animal health, and overall production — insights that were well received by participants keen to improve their practices.
Support from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture further enriched the programme. Their team offered animal identification services, enabling farmers to strengthen herd traceability and management — essential steps for accessing formal markets.
One attendee shared, “It was empowering to be included and to learn alongside others. This kind of support gives us hope and direction.”
The strong turnout and active engagement on the day reaffirmed the importance of inclusive, collaborative learning spaces in agriculture. SAPPO reiterated its commitment to creating platforms where all farmers — regardless of scale or ability — can grow, thrive, and make meaningful contributions to the sector.
