Sustainable agricultural shows play an important role in rural areas to promote agriculture and stimulate local economic development.

This is according to Breyton Milford, General Manager of Agri-Expo, host of the 2024 Agri-Expo Member Show Congress. This annual congress, which was held on 25 and 26 July at Houw Hoek, Grabouw, is a long-standing tradition that focuses on training for representatives of agricultural shows.

According to Milford, this year's congress once again provided an opportunity for 80 delegates from the Western and the Northern Cape to measure themselves and return to their respective shows with fresh perspectives.

"This year, our programme focused on the ability of agricultural shows to adapt to a changing environment, remain relevant in challenging times, and thus ensure sustainable survival."

Ian Koch received an honorary award in recognition of his lifelong contribution to agricultural shows in South Africa. Koch is synonymous with Swartland Show in Moorreesburg, where he was involved for around 50 years. He was also involved in the Cape Show and served on the Agri-Expo Council for many years.

 Agri-Expo also presented several awards to shows that excelled in the following categories:

• Innovation – Swartland Show
• Youth development – ​​Riversdal Show
• New Entrant: Development – ​​Clanwilliam Show
• Quality of presentation – Swellendam Show
• Community involvement – ​​Williston Show

Speakers included:

• Louis Wessels, Agri Western Cape's legal representative, who focused on the importance of constitutional obligations as well as how to protect shows’ assets;
• Noluvuyo Magadla, Director: Animal Health of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, who discussed the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in detail;
• Andries Wiese of Hollard, who emphasised the value of partnerships between shows and sponsors;
• Corné Botha from George Show, who gave guidance on the optimal use of show grounds; and
• Corné Nel from BKB, as sponsor of the event.

For more information about Agri-Expo's Member Shows, visit www.agriexpo.co.za.

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Photo Caption:

1. Speakers at the 2024 Agri-Expo Member Show Congress at Houw Hoek, Grabouw are, from the left, Chris Fourie (Agri-Expo President), Andries Wiese (National Business Development Manager of Hollard), Louis Wessels (Agri Western Cape's legal representative), and Breyton Milford (General Manager of Agri-Expo).