29/07/2015
PRESS RELEASE: The Jacaranda Agricultural Show celebrates 75 years with a showcase like never before
29 July 2014
The annual Jacaranda Agricultural Show will be twice as big and twice as nice this year around. Once again the Tshwane Events Centre will play host to one of the largest agricultural shows in Southern Africa. The Jacaranda Agricultural Show, to be held from 26 - 29 August 2015, is set to showcase the best there is to offer in terms of
agriculture, wildlife farming, agricultural machinery, livestock, farming, alternative energy, organic agriculture and much more.
‘For the past 75 years the Pretoria Show and now the Jacaranda Agricultural Show has been an important platform for farmers and the agricultural community, to come together, network and promote the agriculture industry of South Africa. We want to continue this proud tradition and we’ve worked really hard to ensure a unique experience for our exhibitors and visitors alike,’ says Petro Ferreira, newly-appointed Show Manager.
The four-day exhibition provides a specialised business-to-business platform designed to showcase, discuss and create agricultural business opportunities for farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole in Sub-Saharan Africa. The agricultural Show is a must for commercial farmers, emerging farmers, smallholding farmers and weekend farmers, potential wildlife farmers, agricultural supply industries, agricultural organisations and bodies, heavy machinery manufacturers and suppliers, utility and commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, government agricultural bodies, food suppliers and manufacturers.
This year the focus is not only on the well-established display, judging and auction of domesticated animals, but the wildlife farming industry’s potential is addressed at a plenary conference and three workshops with dedicated topics, specifically aimed at new entrants to this lucrative branch of agriculture. Wildlife farming presents an opportunity to diversify one’s existing farming activities or to change one’s focus to breeding diverse species of game.
‘We’ve got a very exciting surprise for those attending the wildlife farming conference,’ says Ferreira.
In addition to a packed equestrian programme in two arenas, the Jacaranda Star Stallion display on Saturday, 29 August, is one of the highlights for young and old. The Show being hosted in the hometown of the Blue Bulls, it’s only natural that there should be a repeat of the popular ‘Bluest Blue Bull’ competition.
A strong drawcard at this year’s Show is the Stock Farm Display in Hall L, where up to 40 different livestock breeds will be displayed indoors. Farmers can interact with the breed societies to learn more about each one’s unique characteristics. This will be complemented by a small arena in the middle of the hall, where demonstrations such as artificial insemination and sheep shearing will take place, and training for new auctioneers and how to select the right bull to improve one’s herd, will be held.
SABC 2’s actuality programme, Living Land, will co-host workshops for emerging farmers in collaboration with GDARD and the Land Bank. More than 2000 emerging farmers and youth from more than four provinces, representing the farmers and equipment buyers of the future will attend the Show.
‘Our young farmers will also not be left out of the loop. The 2015 Future Farmers Youth Show will see 450 youngsters from agricultural schools in five provinces, compete in classes for beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, wool sheep, mutton sheep, mutton breeds-goats, milch goats, fibre goats, pigs, poultry, rabbits, racing pigeons, fancy pigeons, culinary arts and dairy produce,’ says Ferreira.
Another first is the conference on ‘Unlocking the agricultural potential of Africa’ which will explore farming opportunities north of the Limpopo.
While the main focus of the Agricultural Show is on agriculture, the organisers have also ensured that they cater for entertainment for the whole family. The AgriFem™ Hall, focused on Women in Agriculture, will include a farmer’s market, fresh baked goods, goat and venison cooking demonstrations, fashions shows and much more.
While the first 3 days of the Show is focused on business-to-business networking and events, the final day (Saturday) will provide fun and entertainment with a strong ‘farm flavour’ for young and old alike. The inner man will be well looked after with goat dishes, venison dishes and traditional cuisine being offered in addition to regular fair fare. Two beer gardens will keep the dust at bay, while a kiddies corner, incorporating a 5-metre jumping castle and an inflatable obstacle course will ensure that pre-schoolers remember the Show for years to come.
Tickets for the show are available from Ticketpro or at the gates.
For more information about the show or to participate as an exhibitor contact:
General Enquiries:
Ms Petro Ferreira
012 327 1487
[email protected]
Livestock Exhibition and Entries:
Mrs Hester Ingamells
012 327 1487
[email protected]
Media Enquiries:
Sya van der Walt-Potgieter
Media Liaison
082 332 9512
[email protected]