When dreams and perseverance meet, history is made – and that is exactly what happened during the first Ermelo Hay Day on the farm Smitsfield.
With more than 150 farmers and stakeholders streaming through the gates, the day exceeded all expectations and laid a strong foundation for a bright future.
A dream come true
For Gerhard Grobler, Vice-Chairman of the Ermelo East Farmers’ Association and owner of the farm Smitsfield, the success of this day was a dream seven years in the making. “The idea of hosting a hay day has been in my mind for a long time, and today it has finally come to fruition. We were hoping for 50 people, but the phenomenal turnout shows that there is a great need for such an event,” he says.
Haymaking is of utmost importance to farmers in the Highveld. “Most farmers in the area practice mixed farming, livestock and sowing with sour veld, and it is of the utmost importance for us to make hay, or else we will not get through the winter,” he says.
Practical demonstrations and innovative technology
The day was packed with demonstrations of leading hay equipment by prominent brands such as New Holland, Case IH, Rovic, Jupidex, Massey Ferguson, JWL Landbou and more. These demonstrations gave farmers the chance to see technology in action and make informed decisions about their own hay operations.
With such a successful start, there is no doubt that the Ermelo Hay Day will become an important day on the agricultural calendar – a place where farmers, suppliers and experts can come together annually to share knowledge and innovative technology. Mark your calendar for next year’s Ermelo Hay Day.
Derrick Coetzee, Product Specialist for New Holland, believes that days like this are very important for various brands to compare machinery in the same conditions and to show farmers what the machinery can offer them in order to make better decisions. Derrick also says that it is important for New Holland South Africa to be part of days like this because it gives them exposure as New Holland in the market.
In addition to the impressive demonstrations, several exhibitors displayed their products and expertise, which gave farmers the opportunity to network and gain valuable insights.
Kverneland’s 9542 power rake shows how the grass is raked quickly and efficiently.
The future of agriculture
Lion du Plessis, President of Agri Mpumalanga, says: “Days like this are not only important for farmers to be able to make informed decisions, but it also gives them the opportunity to see a wide variety of equipment in action.” He also sees farmer days as an important opportunity in farming communities because it serves as a mouthpiece at grassroots level.
“I think agriculture in South Africa has no future without organised agriculture, and that structures like Agri SA are important to ensure agriculture and the future of agriculture,” he concludes.
In addition to the impressive demonstrations, several exhibitors displayed their products and expertise.
TWK’s involvement
Charles Eagar, Branch Manager of TWK Ermelo, says that TWK as a company is committed to being involved in the community and town in which they are established – not only in the agricultural sector, but also in the larger community.
“TWK’s heart lies in the agricultural industry. We support farmers’ associations like Ermelo-Oos because they really make a difference in the community. Everything they undertake is successful, and it is a privilege for us to join hands with Ermelo-Oos Boerevereniging,” he says.
He emphasises that days like Ermelo Hay Day create a valuable platform to strengthen TWK’s client base and for new business opportunities. “A day like this gives brands – ours included – the opportunity to introduce products and services to the right target audience, thus enabling informed decisions.”
About the success of the day, he says: “The first Hay Day was a great success! The turnout was excellent, not only from the eastern parts of Ermelo, but also from surrounding areas such as Chrissiesmeer and Wakkerstroom. We as TWK are very pleased with the day and its outcome.”
Krone’s Vari Pack V165 round baler makes neat, firm bales.
A new tradition is born
The overwhelming success of this first Ermelo Hay Day indicates that this is only the beginning. “Get ready and keep your diaries open – this is going to become an annual event!” says Gerhard enthusiastically. Gerhard also thanked, in particular TWK, the main sponsor of the day, as well as all the farmers who attended the day, and all the manufacturers and exhibitors who were involved in the day.
