GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — It was an early start to the day on Saturday, September 30, for the Sneeuberg Agricultural Association's committee and their wives as final preparations for their breakfast, held during the Karoo-lus Festival, were completed.

Diane Murray, the able caterer, and her helpers were even earlier, providing a sumptuous typical Karoo breakfast for the farming guests.

Over 80 tickets were sold for the event, and the guests and speakers arrived timeously. Immediately the tone was set for a successful function as the farmers met with their usual laughter and handshakes at the perfect venue, the Union Pavilion, with Spandau Kop in the background.

The first speaker was iconic Springbok rugby star, Bakkies Botha. He entertained the guests with rugby anecdotes and words of encouragement and positivity to the farmers going through the drought period. As a farmer himself, he could empathise with their problems.

The second speaker was Omri van Zyl, CEO of Agri SA, who urged the farmers to be enthusiastic and positive in these times of uncertainty for the agricultural sector. “We are the heartbeat of the land and we need to make a difference,” said van Zyl.” Every farmer is a leader-it all comes down to teamwork,” he continued.

Van Zyl also informed the guests about interesting changes happening within the Agri organisation, ending his talk on a positive: “Is there hope? A resounding 'Yes'”

The organisers would like to thank sponsors OVK, BKB, Spilhaus and FNB, without whose support the event would not have been possible.

'Ons bring jou die nuutste Graaff-Reinet, Karoo nuus'