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Oranjezicht City Farm Market, a cornerstone of sustainability and community engagement

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The Oranjezicht City Farm Market, located at the historic Granger Bay site of the V&A Waterfront, is a cornerstone of local commerce and community engagement. Established in 2012 by Sheryl Ozinsky, a local advocate for urban agriculture, the market was initially part of a vision to promote urban agriculture and support local farmers and artisans. As it outgrew its original venue, it moved to its current location in 2015, where it has continued to flourish.

This popular farmers’ market is more than just a place to buy fresh produce; it’s a vibrant hub for sustainability and social interaction. The market operates on weekends, providing a delightful shopping experience amidst the scenic beauty of Cape Town’s waterfront area.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market’s mission is to promote a sustainable and fair food system. It is committed to environmental responsibility, requiring all vendors to adhere to strict sustainability standards. These include using environmentally friendly packaging, minimizing waste, and prioritizing ethical and fair-trade practices. The market is a showcase for seasonal, locally-sourced produce, artisanal foods like bread, cheese, and charcuterie, as well as unique handmade crafts ranging from jewellery to home decor.

Events and Educational Opportunities

Oranjezicht Market is also a wonderful place for families. It offers a range of activities for children, including face painting, storytelling, and crafts. These activities help to create a family-friendly environment and encourage children to learn about sustainable living and healthy eating.
The market’s commitment to community and sustainability has not gone unnoticed. It received the title of the best market in Africa by the International Market Council in 2019 and was listed among the top 10 markets worldwide by National Geographic in 2020. These accolades reflect its significant impact on promoting local agriculture and sustainable living practices. Oranjezicht City Farm Market also serves as a cultural and educational space. It hosts a variety of events and activities, including live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and workshops focused on sustainable living.

Additionally, the market offers a unique educational opportunity through guided tours of the Oranjezicht City Farm. This urban agriculture project is an integral part of the market, providing much of the fresh produce sold by vendors and serving as a living classroom for sustainable farming practices.

For those interested in deeper engagement, the market runs the “Friends of the Farm” program, where members support urban farming through donations and receive perks like special discounts.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market is not just a marketplace, but a vibrant community hub that celebrates and supports local farmers, artisans, and sustainable practices, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the future of food and community.

Groot Constantia Celebrates 339 Years with Exclusive Vintage Tasting Experience

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Groot Constantia Celebrates 339 Years with Exclusive Vintage Tasting Experience

Step into a world of history as Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, celebrates 339 years of unparalleled winemaking with an exceptional selection of award-winning wines offered as a Vintage Tasting Experience in the illustrious cellars of the Manor House—a setting steeped in tradition and elegance.

This remarkable occasion is exclusively available over July and August and a must-do for wine lovers who wish to partake in a celebration of heritage and excellence.

Nestled in the vineyards of the historical farm, the Groot Constantia Manor House stands as a testament to both heritage and excellence, recognized as a multi-award-winning estate and a WWF-SA Wine Conservation Champion. This prestigious designation underscores the farm’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making it a celebrated gem in the world of viticulture.

The Vintage Tasting Experience #since1685

On what is a highly anticipated occasion, Groot Constantia will open its prestigious Vintage Tasting Experience, hosted in the cellars of the historic Manor House. This unique experience offers an opportunity to taste a selection of the estate’s most prized vintages. These extraordinary wines, meticulously curated for their consistent and exquisite quality, epitomise Groot Constantia’s winemaking legacy.

A Glimpse into the Past

Founded in 1685, Groot Constantia has been a beacon of exceptional winemaking for over three centuries. The estate’s rich heritage is celebrated worldwide, and its wines have graced the tables of royalty and dignitaries, earning acclaim from Louis Philippe (King of the French) to Napoleon. Groot Constantia’s legacy lies not only in its wines but also in its ability to preserve the art of winemaking through generations, continually achieving new heights of excellence.

The cellars of the Manor House, with their cool, dark, and mystical atmosphere, provide the perfect backdrop for this tasting opportunity.

Securing a Place in History

This prestigious wine-tasting event marks a significant milestone in the celebration of 339 years of winemaking excellence at Groot Constantia and can be booked through Dineplan.

Enhance your Groot Constantia birthday celebration with a meal at Jonkershuis Eatery or Simon’s Restaurant after your Vintage Tasting Experience. Treat yourself to Groot Constantia hand-made art and lifestyle items inspired by the estate’s rich heritage at the Wine & Gift Shop, located in the tasting room at the main entrance.

Wine Club Membership

To fully appreciate the depth of Groot Constantia’s offerings, a Wine Club membership provides access to the Vintage Wine collection and a 10% discount on all current wines, with no initial sign-up cost.

The Vintage Tasting Experience stands as a testament to Groot Constantia’s enduring commitment to exceptional winemaking, sustainability, and conservation to ensure a future of continued excellence.

Use #since1685 and join Groot Constantia in celebrating its 339-year legacy

Stay connected with Groot Constantia on Facebook and Instagram @GrootConstantia.

For more information and to explore their rich heritage further, visit their website at www.grootconstantia.co.za

 

Reviving Lourensford Road: Major Tree-Planting Effort Underway

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Reviving Lourensford Road: Major Tree-Planting Effort Underway

Lourensford Road in Somerset West is set to become a beautiful, tree-lined avenue, following an ambitious planting programme undertaken by the Heart of the Helderberg Initiative, and led by Vergelegen and Lourensford wine estates.

The avenue had lost established trees due to heavy storms, with further losses incurred after infestation by the polyphagous shot-hole borer beetle, which tunnels into trunks, stems and branches.

Horticultural teams from both properties were hard at work on Tuesday 11 June, making maximum use of a mechanical digger, and water provided in farm tankers to establish the saplings.

Lourensford supplied 215 water pear trees (Syzygium guineese) and white stinkwoods (Celtus Sinesys), as well as earthworm compost generated on the farm,  said the estate’s horticulturist Casper Geldenhuys. Vergelegen provided the digger, said Vergelegen gardens manager Richard Arm.

Lourensford

Garden teams from both estates eagerly joined forces, bringing their enthusiasm and expertise to the tree-planting effort.

Arm and Geldenhuys emphasised the enterprise was a joint initiative for the benefit of the Somerset West community, with the approval and support of Phumzile Tyandela from the City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department.

The trees line the road for 600 metres, from the Shell fuel station to the Somerset West Croquet Club.

Green Cape Timbers, situated at Lourensford, supplied wooden stakes to support the trees. Snacks and assistance were provided by the Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa,  Erinvale Golf Estate, The Aleit Group and Ghenwa’s Culinary Club.

Lourensford

Water pears are indigenous, provide deep shade, and can grow to a height of 10 to 15 metres. Their root system is not invasive, which suits urban conditions. They are also resistant to adverse weather conditions and the borer beetle. Winter is suitable for planting as the trees can establish themselves and settle ahead of the growing season.

Lourensford and Vergelegen will continue to maintain and water the trees, but the public are encouraged to participate in caring for the saplings too.

 

“It’s great to be part of a community initiative to beautify our town. You can never plant too many trees,” said Arm.

The Lourensford team included Albert Ntsamai, Luyanda Yalezo, Tshireletso Tsautse, Patrick Notshele, Xolelwa Nongindzi, Sam Mlungu, Sam Ramabele, Mboneni Gwadu, Mbongeni Cimela, Fubo Mazajama and Casper Geldenhuys.

The Vergelegen team comprised junior horticulturist Scott Mpondo, gardens manager Richard Arm, Kolisa Samnkele, Suphokuhle Mputa, Bradley Josephs, Asiphe Wowo, and Jason October.

Heart of the Helderberg is a collective of leading Somerset West hospitality establishments, working together to support local enterprises and raise awareness of the quality and variety of offerings available in this beautiful area, less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

Heart of the Helderberg members are Vergelegen, Lourensford, Morgenster, Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa and Erinvale Golf Estate.

Michelle Waldeck Shines as a Top Innovator on WineLand’s 30 Under 30 List

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Michelle Waldeck Shines as a Top Innovator on WineLand’s 30 Under 30 List

Benguela Cove Wine Estate’s winemaker, Michelle Waldeck, was selected for the WineLand 30 Under 30 list 2024. This list showcases the rising stars, innovators, movers of change, and revenue generators in the South African wine industry. “This is quite an honour.” says Michelle.

The 30 Under 30 list was released on 1 June 2024, with the prestigious awards ceremony taking place in Cape Town on 14 June – and the whole team at Benguela Cove is celebrating Michelle’s success.

“There is reason for optimism among the 30 winemakers, viticulturists, influencers, sommeliers, wine marketers, professors, brand ambassadors (and everything else in between) featured in our 5th annual WineLand 30 Under 30. The key to achieving our industry’s dreams and purpose is to pave the way to prosperity, especially for the youth and those who are actively trying to contribute. In celebration of their efforts as young industry professionals, we spotlight thirty of SA wine’s rising stars.” says WineLand.

Carla van der Merwe from WineLand magazine explores how Michelle is “Growing with the brand”. Seven years into her winemaking journey at multi-award winning Benguela Cove, there’s no stopping Michelle Waldeck on her path to even greater success.

Michelle’s Journey in Winemaking

Michelle’s passion for winemaking blossomed during an internship at a well-known local winery. There, the textbook knowledge she’d learned came alive in the practical world. Stepping into the red wine cellar for the first time, something clicked – she knew this was her calling. That’s also where she met Johann Fourie, Benguela Cove’s head winemaker, whose team she joined seven years ago.

Michelle quickly became part of the Benguela Cove family, mentored by both Johann and the winery’s owner, Penny Streeter OBE. Penny’s a real go-getter, and her story is a constant reminder that there’s no magic formula for success. It’s about hard work. Michelle highlights the opportunities she’s had, both locally and internationally, to witness the journey of building a wine brand from scratch.

What’s next for this WineLand 30 Under 30 Winemaker?

Michelle’s success isn’t a solo act – she credits her exceptional team. They’ve racked up numerous awards at prestigious wine shows, and last year, Michelle was even nominated for the Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year award. These milestones are a reflection of her unwavering dedication to crafting top-quality wines.

But Michelle’s ambitions go beyond personal achievements. She wants to give back by mentoring the next generation of winemakers, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment. She’s excited about the positive changes in the South African wine industry, where everyone’s working together to put South African wines on the global map.

NAMPO Cape 2024: Overberg Celebrates 30 Years of Agricultural Excellence

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NAMPO Cape 2024: Overberg Celebrates 30 Years of Agricultural Excellence

The Overberg is putting her best foot forward for NAMPO Cape, which this year will be presented by Grain SA and Bredasdorp Park NPC on Bredasdorp Park from 11-14 September 2024. 2024 celebrates the 5th presentation of NAMPO Cape and the 30th anniversary of the first Mechanisation Day which took place in 1994. Since its inception, NAMPO Cape has taken the lead in the last 5 years to showcase the best agriculture has to offer in the Cape, and to offer producers and the community a platform that offers innovation, technology and networking opportunities like few.

As we navigate the complexities of 2024, the theme, Agriculture: The Backbone of Economic Growth, emerges as more pertinent than ever. Agriculture remains the cornerstone of global economies, driving sustainable development, ensuring food security and fostering innovation in an increasingly connected world. The agricultural sector is a critical engine of economic growth. It not only feeds millions but also provides livelihood for a significant part of the population. With advancements in agricultural technology, from precision farming to sustainable practices, the sector is experiencing a transformative phase, contributing to economic stability and resilience.

“The importance of agriculture extends beyond mere production. NAMPO Cape plays an important role in rural development and the promotion of social growth. By empowering producers with modern tools and knowledge, we can boost productivity and income, leading to a more vibrant and robust agricultural sector. In addition, agriculture’s integration with other sectors, such as renewable energy and biotechnology, opens new avenues for economic diversification and innovation,” said Dr Dirk Strydom, Grain SA’s head of NAMPO, Marketing and Research Coordination.

Rovic
Rovic

NAMPO Cape’s success is visible in its continued growth and according to Henk Aggenbach, chairman of the Bredasdorp Park board, 38 additional 15x20m exhibition stands have been added next to the trial plots on site, to meet the demand for additional exhibition space. New machinery and technology are introduced annually at NAMPO Cape, and thanks to the enlarged exhibition area, new exhibitors can be accommodated with ease. Furthermore, battery-powered motorcycles, quads, and vehicles can be viewed on a dedicated demonstration track.

Sheepdog Expo

NAMPO Cape visitors can look forward to a Sheepdog Expo this year which will be presented from Wednesday, 11 to Friday 13 September in the BKB Livestock Centre. This program, presented in collaboration with the South African Sheepdog Association, involves lectures, demonstrations and competitions. The final of the annual National Toyota Young Auctioneers competition will be held on Friday 13 September, and during this event the Sheepdog auction will take place.

Lipizzaners

The world-famous South African Lipizzaners will once again deliver daily shows. These white stallions will mesmerize visitors with their breathtaking movements to the beat of famous music.

A Festival of Fynbos

Visitors to NAMPO Cape are astounded every year with a festival of Fynbos. Marjolijn Malan’s impressive flower arrangements in the Voermol hall will certainly not disappoint. The Neptun Fynbos exhibition in the Neptun Hall promises to once again, take your breath away this year, under the direction of Jan Hagen, with an exhibition that portrays the variety of plants endemic to the region, as closely as possible in their natural habitat. Different biomes will be depicted by, among other things, proteas, pincushions, various other fynbos species as well as aloe species found in the area. A tea garden, forming part of the exhibition, serves as an oasis where visitors to NAMPO Cape can catch a breather with some refreshments in a natural garden atmosphere.

The Youth is the future of agriculture

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s schools program aims to involve 500 learners from 30 schools that offer agriculture as a subject in the expo this year. Here the learners can supplement what they learn in the classroom with practical experiences that support the curriculum.

The annual Overberg Regional Youth Show takes place on Saturday, September 14. Learners can enrol in the following classes: dairy cattle, beef cattle, meat sheep, wool sheep, fibre goat, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, horse, rabbit, pigeon, culinary art, dairy preparation and photography. Boys and girls up to 17 years of age participate in three age groups: junior-junior (5 to 9 years), junior (10 to 13 years) and senior (14 to 17 years).

Women’s programme

This year’s women’s programme promises to be once again packed with celebrity guests, and definitely something to look forward to! The popular NAMPO Cape walk-in beauty salon will pamper the fairer generation from crown to toe.

See you there!

Entrance tickets are available online from 1 July 2024 at www.ticketpros.co.za, with discounted entry fees for online purchases, at R80 for adults and R50 for school-aged children. Tickets at the gates will be on sale at R100 for adults and R50 for children. Entry for pre-schooled children is free of charge. NAMPO Cape takes place from Wednesday, 11 to Friday, 13 September 2024 from 08:00 to 17:00 and Saturday, September 14 from 08:00 to 14:00. Visitors can contact the Cape Agulhas Tourism Office for accommodation on 028 424 2584 / 082 896 2225 or www.overberg-info.co.za.

For more information about NAMPO Cape 2024, visit www.nampocape.co.za, contact Chrystal van Wyk on 028 050 1385 or email [email protected].

Wes-Kaap Pluimveeklub Skou Trek Top Uitstallers na Villiersdorp

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Wes-Kaap Pluimveeklub Skou Trek Top Uitstallers na Villiersdorp

Gedurende 8 en 9 Junie het die Wes-Kaap Pluimveeklub hul jaarlikse skou in Villiersdorp gehou, ‘n gebeurtenis wat met trots ondersteun is deur Agri-Expo. Hierdie skouspel, gewy aan die bewaring en vertoon van ras-egte pluimvee, het ‘n merkwaardige 1,189 inskrywings van 38 uitstallers getrek. Die verskeidenheid spog met 98 hoenderrasse, 12 eendrasse, sowel as drie ganse en twee kalkoen rasse. Van al die rasse was die Hollandse Kriel met 102 inskrywings die groot trekpleister, terwyl die Brahmas ook aandag getrek het met 43 inskrywings.

Die pluimvee is beoordeel onder die streng toesig van agt gekwalifiseerde beoordelaars, wat hul keuses gebaseer het op die standaarde van Saspo (Suid-Afrikaanse Skoupluimvee-organisasie). Hierdie beoordelingsproses verseker dat slegs die beste van die beste bekroon word in elke kategorie, wat die hoë standaarde van die skou beklemtoon.

Die Wes-Kaap Pluimveeklub spog met ‘n ledegetal van 104 pluimvee-entoesiaste versprei oor die hele Wes-Kaap, met John Faure as die huidige voorsitter. Enigiemand met ‘n belangstelling om aan te sluit by hierdie passievolle gemeenskap van pluimvee-liefhebbers kan ‘n e-pos stuur na [email protected] vir meer inligting.

Wat is ‘n Pluimveeskou?

‘n Pluimveeskou is nie net ‘n kompetisie nie, maar ook ‘n gemeenskapsbyeenkoms waar teelers en liefhebbers bymekaar kom om kennis te deel, netwerk te bou, en hul liefde vir pluimvee te vier. Dit bied ‘n geleentheid vir deelnemers om hul diere in top kondisie te vertoon en te meet teen ander van dieselfde ras. Om ‘n voël voor te berei vir ‘n skou, moet dit gesond wees, sonder gebreekte vere, skoon en netjies. Dit is meer as net ‘n stokperdjie; dit is ‘n sport wat toewyding vereis en die bevrediging van ‘n wen die moeite werd maak.

Deelname aan ‘n pluimveeskou is ‘n wonderlike manier vir families om saam te werk en nuwe vriende te maak. Dit is ‘n bekostigbare stokperdjie wat nie net die geleentheid bied om ‘n ras te verbeter nie, maar ook die geselskap van lewende wesens bied en ‘n eienaarskapstrots wat min ander aktiwiteite kan ewenaar.

Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-Kampioenskappe: 103 Gekies vir Nasionale Kompetisie

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Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-Kampioenskappe: 103 Gekies vir Nasionale Kompetisie

Die Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe het onlangs op Bredasdorp plaasgevind, waar sowat 200 leerders van regoor die Wes-Kaap deelgeneem het. Hierdie prestige-geleentheid is aangebied deur Agri-Expo in vennootskap met die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Landbou en Hollard.

Na ‘n spannende kompetisie is 103 leerders gekies om die provinsie by die SA Jeugskou Kampioenskappe, wat plaasvind in Middelburg, Transvaal vanaf 22 – 25 September, 2024 te verteenwoordig.

Leerders het in drie ouderdomsgroepe en 15 verskillende afdelings meegeding. Daar was ook ‘n kategorie vir die twee leerders van die Pioneerskool. Die leerders het die afgelope 12 maande op agt streekskoue gekwalifiseer vir hierdie kampioenskap. Hierdie geleentheid het deelnemers van regoor die provinsie saamgebring om hul vaardighede in verskeie kategorieë, soos vleisbees, perde, pluimvee, wolskape, konyne, en afslaers, te demonstreer.

Hierdie kompetisies bied nie net ‘n platform vir jongmense om hul vaardighede te toon nie, maar dien ook as ‘n geleentheid om talent vir die nasionale kompetisie te identifiseer.

Met die George Jeugskou op 29 Augustus, Moorreesburg op 4 September, Nampo Kaap op 14 September, en Villiersdorp Skou wat op 12 Oktober gehou word, is daar groot opwinding vir die res van die jaar.

Transforming South Africa’s Wine Tourism

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Transforming South Africa’s Wine Tourism

The prestigious Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch recently played host to the Wine Tourism Conference 2024 on 30 May 2024. This significant event brought together key stakeholders from South Africa’s wine industry. The conference focused on the transformative power of wine tourism and its potential to drive growth and profitability in the wine sector. The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Mike Ratcliffe from Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Eric Matkovich, Founder & Director of CellarX, Mark Wilkinson from Cape Winelands Airport, and Paul Wagner from Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology program.

Despite being a prominent wine-producing country, South Africa lacks a pervasive wine culture, which poses a challenge for market penetration. However, an impressive 94% of wine estates in the country offer some form of wine tourism, underscoring the sector’s importance in generating revenue. Wine tourism in South Africa is not just about wine tasting; it encompasses a wide range of experiences including culinary events, festivals, and lifestyle activities, which help to attract a broader audience.

Inclusivity, segmentation, and targeted marketing were highlighted as crucial components for success at the conference. Understanding and leveraging consumer data were underscored as essential for growing a brand. This includes analysing visitor demographics, interests, and visit motivations. Emotional connections with brands can significantly increase consumers’ willingness to pay a premium, making personalized and engaging experiences vital for wineries.

Moving Forward

The conference stressed the importance of understanding the customer journey, from initial contact to post-visit engagement. Tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and customer feedback mechanisms were recommended to enhance service delivery. Inclusivity in marketing, such as using vernacular languages, can broaden the appeal and accessibility of wine tourism. Millennials were identified as a key demographic to target, with tailored marketing strategies required to engage this segment effectively.

The Importance of the Conference

The Wine Tourism Conference 2024 served as a vital platform for industry professionals to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities within the wine tourism sector. The event’s emphasis on data-driven strategies and customer-centric approaches provides a roadmap for wineries to enhance their tourism offerings, ensuring sustainable growth and increased profitability. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the conference aims to transform the landscape of wine tourism, making it more inclusive, engaging, and economically beneficial for all stakeholders involved.

In conclusion, the Wine Tourism Conference 2024 at Lanzerac Wine Estate highlighted the crucial role of wine tourism in the South African wine industry’s future. The principles and strategies discussed at the conference are set to shape the industry’s approach to tourism, driving it towards greater success and sustainability.

Luxury and Peace Await at The Retirement Collection

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Nestled in the picturesque Western Cape, known as the country’s premier retirement destination, The Retirement Collection promises to provide you with unparalleled peace of mind as you enjoy a secure and enriching retirement experience.

Explore Devmark Property Group’s esteemed estates within the Retirement Collection, featuring, Langebaan Manor in Langebaan, De Zwartland Manor in Malmesbury, Helderberg Manor in Somerset West, and Imhoff Manor in Kommetjie.

With estate features such as state-of-the-art security, clubhouse, library, well equipped gym, and more, residents can enjoy both convenience and beautiful surroundings within one of the lively retirement communities.

The Retirement Collection offers different options from Luxury Homes, Luxury Apartments and Assisted Living Suites starting from R1 285 000.

Fall in love with your retirement and uncover a life filled with purpose!

For more information visit www.retirementcollection.co.za

Dean Barnard Gekroon as Agri Wes-Kaap en Santam se Jongboer van die Jaar 2024

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Dean Barnard Gekroon as Agri Wes-Kaap en Santam se Jongboer van die Jaar 2024

Dean Barnard, ‘n 40-jarige boer van Oppie Plaas in Waboomskraal naby George, is onlangs as die Agri Wes-Kaap en Santam se Jongboer van die Jaar vir 2024 aangewys. Met ‘n boerderyervaring van 19 jaar, waarvan die laaste agt aan die stuur van Oppie Plaas, het Dean hom as ‘n beduidende figuur in die landbouwêreld gevestig. Hulle verbou ‘n verskeidenheid gewasse insluitend hops, pruime, amandels, en pekanneute, wat elk bydra tot die diversiteit en volhoubaarheid van die onderneming.

Dean het sy skoolopleiding aan die Hoërskool Landbouskool Oakdale voltooi, gevolg deur studies in Bemarking Bestuur aan die Nelson Mandela Universiteit. Sy terugkeer na die boerdery was ‘n besluit wat sy loopbaanrigting fundamenteel verander het. Oppie Plaas-boerdery, een van slegs sewe hops produsente in Afrika, staan bekend vir sy topgehalte hops wat eksklusief vir die brou van Castle en Castle Lite gebruik word.

Onder Dean se leiding het die boerdery aansienlike innovasies ondergaan, insluitend die implementering van gevorderde besproeiingstegnologie wat betekenisvolle waterbesparing bevorder. Hy het ook nuwe pruim- en amandelboorde geplant en ‘n uitbreiding van die hopsproduksie op huurgrond onderneem. Hierdie veranderinge het reeds vrugte afgewerp, met die Autumn Treat-pruime wat in 2023 ‘n opbrengs van net onder 100 ton per hektaar gelewer het. Een van hierdie pruime, met ‘n gewig van 486 gram, staan moontlik  ‘n kans om ‘n nuwe rekord in die Guinness World of Records te stel.

Die Jongboer van die Jaar-toekenning is nie net ‘n persoonlike prestasie vir Dean nie, maar dien ook as ‘n inspirasie en maatstaf vir jong boere oor die hele Wes-Kaap. Tydens die toekenningseremonie het hy sy visie gedeel om die pruimboorde uit te brei na tussen 15 en 20 hektaar en ‘n pakstoor op die plaas te bou om nie net hul eie vrugte te pak nie, maar ook om dienste aan ander boere in die gemeenskap te bied.

Inus Oosthuizen, sameroeper van die beoordelingspaneel, en ander lede van die paneel het die hoë standaarde en inspirerende verhale van alle kandidate geprys. Dean se sukses versterk die idee dat geen boer te klein is om ‘n impak in die landbou te maak nie. Hy beplan om later vanjaar sy suksesse en ervarings as die Wes-Kaapse kandidaat na die Nasionale Jongboer van die Jaar-kompetisie te neem.

Hierdie erkenning onderstreep nie net Dean se toewyding en harde werk nie, maar beklemtoon ook die belangrike rol wat innoverende landboupraktyke speel in die bevordering van volhoubaarheid en ekonomiese groei in die streek.

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