If you ate today, thank a farmer
If you ate today, thank a farmer
To be able to sit down every night and have a plate of food put in front of you is a privilege and for many South Africans this is not a reality. With our countries large unemployment rates, poverty is sitting right at our doorstep. To be a South African farmer is strenuous and tiresome with very little recognition for long hours they put in, yet there is no better reward for them than to be able to say that they are a part of the few people still willing to work with their hands to feed our nation.
Farming in South Africa has become more dangerous over the years as the rates of farm murders have increased. There is a decrease in interest shown by the young generation to go into the agricultural industry, not solely because of the danger that it comes with but because farming goes unacknowledged and underappreciated for the role it plays .At some stage there needs to be a realisation that the farmers of today will not always be here and there needs to be people who are willing to stand in and take on the role in order for our country to see a future. The country depends on the primary sector and although agriculture is gradually showing decline as the other sectors have grown, farming is vital to the economy and security of South Africa. The risk that comes with farming is huge as you are relying 100% on aspects that are completely out of your control, like rain. If there’s no rain your crops won’t grow and if there’s too much rain your crops will die which means that for that season you have nothing bringing you income, no money to pay your labourers and most importantly no food to supply.
Farming is ever changing as the world is urbanising and becoming more technologically advanced and it is now being left at the hands of our youth not only to step in and take over, but also to develop and innovate new ways in which farming can see a future. There is already so much that has been done like smart farming which is a development that involves working hand in hand with technology and modern information in order to make the future of farming more efficient by increasing the quantity and quality of products while optimising the human labour required as the agricultural industry is a major employer, and it is therefore crucial that these jobs are preserved as much as possible. As the world is growing is crucial that farmers utilise the technological resources available in order to maximise yield and help farmers meet the growing demands, but none of this will be possible if there is no one willing to step in and take on the role.
Consider this, there are four economic sectors agriculture falls into the primary sector and after that comes the secondary. The secondary sector refers to the processing of raw materials into finished goods, take away the primary sector and how will the secondary sector function? Not to mention all the jobs that fall under these two sectors that will now be lost.
Farmers should be appreciated for the work they put despite the incredibly large risk and danger that this job comes with. As a country it is crucial that we stand together to support our farmers and create positive change so that the conception behind farming changes. Agriculture has the capability and potential to grow and change into something much larger than it is now. But for now, our future depends on the few people still willing to get their hands dirty
Cayle Janse Van Vuuren
My name is Cayle Jansen van Vuuren, i am an 18-year-old matriculant from St Marys DSG Kloof in Kwa Zulu Natal. I grew up on a farm in Botswana in the heart Tuli Block where i hold some of my greatest memories as a little girl playing in the puddles after the rain, visiting the cows and wanting to keep every little animal i found in my path as a pet. Farming is something that i grew up with and i was always surrounded by which is why it will always be dear to my heart no matter the path i take which is why participating in this competition is something that stood out to me.
