Powered by African Farming
The North West Agricultural Show (18 to 20 September) opened not with a speech but with a surge of raw honesty. On day one, what was meant to be a simple session evolved into something far more powerful: a catalyst for clarity, urgency and a collective voice.
By Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming
Chaired by Lebogang Mashala, Editor of African Farming, the panel brought together a dynamic mix of voices, from rabbit and ostrich farmers to representatives from Land Bank, food systems specialists and seasoned agri-professionals. What followed was a conversation that didn’t just scratch the surface but dug deep into the daily realities of South African agriculture.
Also read: Revived North West Agricultural Show puts farmers first
‘Why Are We Doing This?’
The room shifted when a farmer stood up and asked, “Why are we doing this?” It was more of a cry than a complaint; a reminder that although agriculture is often called a backbone, many of its caretakers feel sidelined. From long funding delays that cost entire harvests to the emotional weight of farming “invisibly”, farmers shared stories of resilience, missed opportunities and the quiet desperation of chasing paperwork instead of production.
But they weren’t asking for charity. The call was clear: “We don’t want handouts. We want partnership… Finance that honours our work, not delays it.”
‘We Feed Communities. Who Feeds Us?’
Among the most passionate voices was a livestock and mixed-production farmer who reminded the room that farmers are not just producers, they are local engines of employment, nutrition and dignity. “We feed our communities. We employ our neighbours. But who is close to us when the feed runs out and the paperwork sits on someone’s desk for six months?” His message echoed a sentiment shared by many: that smallholder and new-generation farmers are closer to the ground than most institutions and it’s time policies moved at the speed of reality.
A representative from Land Bank, acknowledging the pain in the room, affirmed that the institution is not deaf to the concerns. “Transformation is not an overnight event. But we are walking the road. We’re piloting new financing models – sharing risk, simplifying access and working to match funding with real farmer needs.” Although he didn’t promise perfection, his presence was a reminder that progress begins with presence. And that policy without proximity is paperwork.
Reimagining Respect In The Agricultural Ecosystem
From food science to finance, the panellists offered sharp insight and sharper truths. One expert reminded the room that farmers are “scientists of the soil”. They read the land, diagnose problems and make decisions daily that affect lives and livelihoods. To deny them access based on paperwork gaps or language barriers is not just unfair, it’s a waste of brilliance. “Let’s stop building red tape. Let’s start building roads.”
Pic 8: Lebogang Mashala, Editor of African Farming, during the first session of the North West Agricultural Show. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane
Mashala anchored the conversation in purpose. “This is why African Farming exists – not just to report the news but to become a part of it. Not just to tell stories but to hold space for those living them.” His facilitation allowed pain to be processed, insight to emerge and, above all, voices to be heard.
Exhibitions, Actions and Accountability
Day one didn’t end with a policy signed or a solution boxed up, but it did end with connection, and sometimes that’s the first step in a broken system.
One farmer captured the spirit perfectly: “I came here wearing a T-shirt. I leave wearing hope.”
This was not just a session but also a window into the lived experiences of South African farmers:
- a rabbit farmer trying to scale;
- an ostrich farmer waiting for infrastructure;
- a finance official hearing hard truth; and
- a panel ready to challenge the status quo.
And it was African Farming once again proving why it’s more than a magazine. It’s a movement, a mouthpiece, a mirror and a mission.
