The winners and runners-up of the 2022 Young Agri Writers Competition were announced in late November. The competition is aimed at inspiring young writers to focus on the South African agriculture industry.
One of the best ways to improve people’s understanding of South Africa’s vast and complex agriculture industry is through great writing, which the Hollard-sponsored Young Agri Writers Competition stimulates. The competition is open to South Africans who are up to 28 years old. There were two categories in this year’s instalment: technical and nontechnical writing. This year’s winners were announced recently, and each received R5 000 in prize money. The first and second runners-up in each category won R3 000 and R2 000 respectively, and the remaining finalists each received R1 000. Technical writing In the technical category, soil scientist Rachel du Preez won first prize with her article on soil acidity and its remediation in crop production.
Second place went to Heleen Viljoen, a junior economist at Grain SA, for her piece about the importance of maize exports for local commodity markets. Viljoen also shared third place with fellow Grain SA junior economist Christiaan Vercueil, for their article which questions whether producers are to blame for food price hikes. Non-technical writing In the non-technical category, top honours went to Michelle Marais, who works in agribusiness within the Russell Stone Group.
Her article covered the unique competitive advantage that the youth enjoy in agriculture. Karen Truter, an agriculturalist at Nitrophoska, took second place for her piece on farming in the future; and third place went to agricultural economics student Ruth Hadebe for her articles about vegetables and agro[1]processing. Agriculture student Banelise Mhlangu came forth in this category with her article on the prospects for hemp production in South Africa. “It’s remarkable how this year’s entrants all have strong connections with agriculture, and their passion for the sector is evident in their writing,” says Andries Wiese, national business development manager and head of agriculture at Hollard Insurance.
“The standard of their writing is excellent, and the sheer diversity of topics covered this year was breath-taking.” Inspiring the youth, The competition is aimed at encouraging young writers to focus on the agriculture sector, one of the most important to South Africa’s economy. Wiese adds that since there are few media outlets in South Africa that are dedicated to agriculture, it is vital to stimulate media coverage of and thought leadership in the industry. “As an agri-focused insurer, Hollard is proud to play such an important role in this regard, along with our partners in the competition, Farming Portal and Agricultural Writers SA. “Greater knowledge and understanding of agriculture, which is a fascinating sector, is good for everyone along the agricultural value chain, and helps to create better futures for every citizen,” he says. “Hollard congratulates all the 2022 Young Agri Writers Competition winners. Keep up the great work, which we hope to more and more of going forward!” adds Wiese.
FARMERS WEEKLY 16th DECEMBER 2022
