NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — The Annual General Meeting of the Sneeuberg Agricultural Association was held at the Nieu-Bethesda Sports Club on Tuesday, 14 August.
The meeting was very well attended by members and visitors.
Chairman Graham Murray presented his annual report which covered various aspects of farming in the Eastern Cape.
The election of office bearers for the 2018/19 period was as follows: David Stern (chairman), Kosie Wolfaardt (vice-chairman), Graham Murray (outgoing chairman) and additional members Hendrik Wolfaardt, Philippie Wolfaardt and Johan Bouwer and secretary Yvonne McLaggan.
This was followed by reports from Captain Oosthuizen of the Stock Theft Unit as well as W/O Fick who reported on local police matters.
At the end of his report, Captain Oosthuizen was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation as "Sneeuberg Friend of the Year" for 2017.
Graham Murray and David Stern reported on the Agri EC Congress where they were pleased to receive a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Sneeuberg Farmers' Association. This certificate was received as an acknowledgement of subs payments exceeding R100 000.
The Association is proud of Doug Stern who has been re-elected as president of Agri EC.
The Association did their bit for Mandela Day, sponsoring the sprucing up of the Lettie de Klerk School.
This project will start once the paint has been delivered.
As it worked out, the majority of the guest speakers at the meeting were women which was quite apt for "Womens' Month".
Sarah Cromhout showed an informative DVD which described the work of the Rupert Herding Academy - which uses herding to promote the veld and the training of herders in veld preservation.
Maryke Stern spoke passionately on the Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment. Their mission is to protect a unique landscape with a high tourism value.
Maryke urged members to join the Protected Environment to expand and consolidate the protected area.
Megan Boschoff informed members on Agri-Tourism in South Africa and how it can add to profit-making, and Willem Breytenbach of the Graaff-Reinet Fire Protection Association discussed the legislation and the working of the FPA.
He urged farmers who intend burning to get a burn permit, which lasts for 21 days, before attempting to burn. This permit will cover the farmer in case of the fire spreading.
The Sneeuberg Agricultural Association is a dynamic group of people who are passionately intent on bettering agriculture in the district. Their AGM was a testament to the hard work and commitment they have for their industry.
The Sneeuberg Agricultural Association Committee: Hendrik Wolfaardt, Dave Stern, Yvonne McClaggan, Graham Murray, Johan Bouwer, Kosie Wolfaardt and Phillipie Wolfaardt.
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