During the semester break, the Agronomy students had the privilege of attending the annual Agronomy Student Tour, and what an incredible experience it was! Over the course of the trip, we visited several conservation agriculture (CA) farms across the beautiful Southern Cape region. These farms opened their gates and shared their stories, providing us with a firsthand look at the innovative practices shaping modern grain and oilseed farming.

Photo 1: Canola crop and view as observed from Richard Krige’s farm

This tour aimed to give students insight into the agricultural industry and expand their perspective on the interdisciplinary aspects of agriculture. It enabled students to link concepts across crop science, weed science, animal science, and agricultural economics. It also sparked excitement about the future and encouraged us, as students, to reflect on where we want to position ourselves within the agricultural value chain.

From learning how farmers protect soil health to understanding how they balance productivity and sustainability, the students were able to witness firsthand what it takes to farm smarter for the future, and how experience sometimes plays a bigger role than theory. 

At each farm, students observed the growth and development of key crops in different stages, comparing how management practices influenced their performance. Farmers shared insights on how they implemented conservation agriculture principles on their farms based on practicality. It was interesting to see the difference in yields and conditions of farms of the same crop types, and how it relates to their farming operations, techniques, as well as their pest and weed management strategies. Discussions around input costs, yields, and market demands highlighted the economic importance of these crops within South Africa’s agricultural landscape, further expanding students’ field of knowledge.

Photo 2: Some of the cover crops and livestock that were observed during the tour.

Hearing directly from farmers and standing in the field helped connect the classroom to real-life applications. Observing crop rotations, residue management, and soil conservation methods in action made the concepts of morphology, production, and sustainability tangible and memorable.

Photo 3: A farmer, Mr Hume Schonfeldt, explaining to students some of the farming practices used on their farm.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our generous sponsors;  the Protein Research Foundation (PRF), South African Breweries (SAB), and Barenbrug, whose support made this tour possible, the farmers who welcomed us and shared their knowledge with us; as well as our lecturers who made the experience truly memorable for everyone involved.

Photo 4: Students and lecturers at PJ Neethling’s farm.

Author: Aneeqah Soeker on behalf of the Agronomy 454/742 class