The Sunday News
Shepias Dube
FARMERS, who took part at the Bulawayo Agricultural Show that ended yesterday in Bulawayo, said low turnout affected competition in the livestock section.
The show ran concurrently with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
In an interview on Thursday Mr Lindon Stanton, a farmer from West Nicholson, who was the overall best exhibitor in the slaughter classes, said the number of farmers who showcased their animals was far less than that of last year.
“Of course I am happy that I won the biggest prize sought by every cattle farmer but to be honest with you I was not impressed by the level of competition.
“Last year at least 10 exhibitors who had 100 cattle graced this event but this time we were just four exhibitors with a total of 73 cattle,” he said.
Some of the exhibitors in the livestock section included the Bulawayo City Council owned Aisleby Farm which had 24 steers, Mr Patrick Dube of Makunkuni Farm in Gwanda who had 11 steers, Matopo Research Station had 24 and Mr Stanton of plot number 7 Mashura Farm had 14 cattle.
Mr Stanton clinched the Lincolnshire Floating Trophy and a fully installed solar pump valued at $2 500 after coming first in the prestigious champion slaughter category.
The solar pump was donated by Forster Irrigation.
He also came first in the champion pen of three oxen and the champion of pair of oxen winning the Harold Hearer floating trophy and a KVA generator donated by CC Sales, and a Sir Geo Johnson floating trophy accompanied by an AEG drill donated by MC Meats respectively.
Aisleby Farm was the second best after coming first in the champion pen of 10 bullocks and champion of five oxen categories. They were awarded two trophies and half tonne of feed donated by National Foods.
Mr Gezani Dube, a farm manager with Makunkuni farm, said the outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease discouraged farmers from participating at the agricultural show.
“The sudden outbreak of the deadly foot and mouth dampened the spirit of what was expected to be a lively livestock exhibition as most farmers who had initially expressed their willingness to participate were forced to withdraw at the last minute,” he said.
However, Mr Dube said although the livestock section was poorly attended it gave him an opportunity to learn new ways in animal husbandry.
“I have learnt that a farmer should always pay attention to his fatstock so that if the show is near he will just make finishing touches. Some of us became serious with our steers just three months before the show and that’s how Mr Stanton beat us,” he said.
BAS administrative officer Mrs Natalie Adlam thanked farmers who exhibited in spite of the threat of the Foot and Mouth Disease.
However, she appealed for sponsorship from the corporate world and stakeholders as the society is struggling to offer prices that encourage farmers to take part.
Meanwhile, produce farmers have hailed BAS efforts to encourage the spirit of competition among small- holder farmers in Matabeleland region.
“Over the years BAS have given me the impetus to excel in my work as a farmer because I know that at the end of the day the best farmer will be rewarded,” said Mrs Sibongile Hlongwane from Insiza District.
Mrs Hlongwane scooped two trophies for being the exhibitor scoring most points in agricultural produce classes excluding maize and for the most outstanding producer small-scale farmer.
An official in the department of Agritex Mr Elias Ndlovu said although farmers who participated in showcasing the farming produce were fewer than last year it was pleasing to note the quality of the produce was excellent.
“The number of exhibitors who attended the Agricultural Show this year are less when compared with those who came last year. However, it is pleasing that the quality of crops on display has actually improved,” he said.
